...Bilingual Education Defining bilingualism is problematic. Most part of the time, it is confused to a second language learning (a foreign language often) and greatly used. Take simply, bilingualism is the ability to use two languages. However, many definitions of bilingualism are ranked. According to J. Noll Wn., published in 2004 by The Controversy, those definitions are ranked from a minimal proficiency in two languages, to an advanced level of proficiency which allows the speaker to function and appear as a “native-like” speaker of the two languages. A person may describe himself as bilingual but may mean only the ability to communicate and converse orally. Another person, when describing himself as a bilingual may mean the ability to read two or more languages. The problem here concern education. In fact, a person should be call bilingual when having the ability to communicate and read two or more languages, one as well as the second. Withal, this is applicable when having grown up in learning and using two languages simultaneously: this is the bilingual education. Nowadays, it is not surprising to meet people comfortably speaking two or more languages. Mostly because they are mixed race or because they left their home country for another one where a different language is spoken. Either with one of these situations, a bilingual education has been adapted to those people lives. Bilingual education, together with the immigration issues running all over the world has become...
Words: 701 - Pages: 3
...Bilingual language is beneficial for the child’s first language and English development “Language constitutes us, it gives us meaning and allows us to make meaning, and it develops and abolishes spaces.” (Benjamin, 2002). Critiques of bilingual education continually claim that children can only learn one language at a time after which they are taught a second language (Krashen, 2000). They assert that bilingual education cause confusion among children and limit their intelligence capabilities; they argue that real bilinguals cannot combine their language. Advocates of bilingual education present arguments on its benefits, they suggest that, for many children the process of being literate and studying a new language simultaneously is overwhelming and that the bilingual process assist them to develop their native language first which results to a smooth transition to English. The main aim of the bilingual program was to promote the prominent language to issue instructions and at the same time enhance the development of the second language. Some define it in aspects of its capability to enhance cognitive and effective development while others view that it should focus on cultural enrichment and linguistic development. However, in some bilingual programs, instructions are issued through the use of the second language especially in cases where the first language erodes over time. (Baez, 2002) As the child proficiency in English increases he or she loses grasp of the native language...
Words: 1284 - Pages: 6
...Bilingual Education in the US For this activity I would like you to examine your own preconceptions of bilingual education. Please answer the following questions: 1) Do you view bilingual education in a positive light or negative light or both (please be honest)? Why do you think you have this view? Bilingual education is positive for student education because it uses the learning tools students already have as the basis for building new skills and acquiring new knowledge. Most children enter school with basic language skills in English or other languages, which are already in place. If teachers are able to use the native language skills of the student, the native language will help students develop the academic competence they need to succeed in education. Children learn more effectively if they learn English through the use of their native language, which provides a contextual basis for learning and allows them to keep pace with their peer group while acquiring the language they will need to learn in order to interact effectively in today's society. There are several other distinct benefits to the use of bilingual education, besides its basic effectiveness. First, it preserves children's sense of pride in the language of their parents, allowing them to move freely in an English-language dominant society while retaining an important link to their cultural and linguistic heritage. It helps protect their sense of identity, which is also strongly linked to the language and...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...Chicago’s School Having bilingual education in nursery school across Illinois is a valuable practice for children because it is important to acquire two languages with eloquence. Bilingualism is often related to immigration, and this element has developed particular views of approaches to bilingual education in the Chicagoland area. The most important is the distension of the young non-Native English speakers in the early learning. When the children are 3-5 years old going to preschool, Chicago public school places them into bilingual classes because they are identified as dual language learning. By using different theories from the sociological perspective, the set of interrelation of social and pedagogical purposes can be understand from the bilingual classes of preschool in Chicago. First, functionalist perspective emphasizes the interconnection between the different parts that are involved in bilingual education, and how they work together to produce a negative or positive influence. Second, the home culture as the standard focuses its viewpoint by criticizing the value of foreign culture by using the home culture inside the bilingual language and its benefits. Finally, conflict perspective focuses how society presents itself by using power and conflict over the resources and rules of the bilingual classes. Therefore, the sociology perspective can explain the increased demand concerning the bilingual movement. The request of the expansion of the bilingual programs in preschool...
Words: 3415 - Pages: 14
...Bilingual Education By C. Mori When I started my investigation about bilingual education I never thought the debate about it would be as controversial and passionate as it is. But considering the numbers of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the U.S. public school, approximately 5.5 million, which represent about 11% of total number of students, and the percentage of drop outs, about 30% of ELLs, it is understandable that public opinion puts some pressure on the U.S. public school system to adopt the most efficient and adequate system for this growing minority group. The number of ELLs abandoning school has remained high for a long period of time generating serious doubts about the functionality and effectiveness of bilingual education and other programs. Two have been the main reasons attributed for this desertion from classes: the low socioeconomic level of ELLs and language differences. In this context, dual language, one modality of bilingual education, is showing to be able to make students excel in their academic performance and revert negative statistics Currently, in the United States there are two major approaches about how to teach English to those children whose primary language is different from English. The first approach is by immersing them in English only classes. This program was first implemented in California with proposition 227 in 1998 and continued to other states like Arizona and Massachusetts where bilingual education was...
Words: 2438 - Pages: 10
...Bilingual Education: Voter Driven Initiatives XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Grand Canyon University: ESL 523N February 27, 2013 Bilingual education is a very important topic in education. Classrooms are filled with diverse populations, including those that are learning English as a second language. Learning a new language and having to adapt to a new culture can prove to be detrimental for a student’s academic progress. English language learners struggle in the classroom and are in need of teachers that will work relentlessly in helping them be academically successful. To regulate bilingual/ESL education, there have been various state and federal decisions made. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed on the heels of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The purpose of ESEA was focused mainly on eradicating poverty, providing equal education services to all students, and implementing high standards for students and teachers. The ESEA also provided funds for state established educational programs and low income students ("Elementary and secondary,"). Although the ESEA benefited many deserving students in bad economic areas, it did not specifically benefit English language learners. Making matters worse, ESEA was reauthorized as The No Child Left Behind in 2002. NCLB required states to align their standards/requirements with the federal NCLB standards/requirements. Although it looked good on paper, requiring schools to meet what is known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) forced...
Words: 1274 - Pages: 6
...to a 50% in the U.S, which explains several concerns regarding bilingual education (Kim 2015). There is an intense debate on whether bilingual education programs are effective or not. Many opponents towards bilingual education believe that giving instructional support to minority students in their native language is disadvantageous to their academic success (Rossell & Baker, 1996).On the contrary, many believe that providing students with instruction in their native language contributes to student academic success (Marian, Shook & Schroeder, 2013). As a bilingual student and future bilingual...
Words: 830 - Pages: 4
...Bilingual Education : Friend or Foe? Jennifer Smith Faulkner University Abstract This paper explores both the history of bilingual education as well as it’s implications for American Society. We will define the difference between bilingual education and bilingualism. It takes a formative look at the Bilingual Education Act to see our roots in bilingual education. We will examine both the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism and it’s effect on the brain. Also, we will attempt to shed some needed light on just why this is such a hot political topic. Why do Americans still seem unwilling to accept bilingual education as a necessity for their children? Bilingual Education: Friend or Foe? Bilingual education is a polarizing topic in America. Torn between preserving American culture and what makes us American, and providing immigrant children with the same access to education that all Americans deserve, bilingual education is now a political topic in America. There have been many attempts to make positive changes in our education system concerning bilingual education. Even for those who agree that bilingual education is important, arriving at the answer to the best approach is on a meandering path. With decades of studies, opinions and speculation as to the right way to best educate English language learners, it is not unlikely that many Americans wonder if bilingual education is friend or foe? Answers to these questions...
Words: 2681 - Pages: 11
...I agree with the plan aimed at making all Puerto Rican children bilingual by 2022 because it could potentailly increase the student's chances at landing jobs and, Puerto Ricans can communucate more with english speaking people . As you read the my essay I will further explain how it is better to make children bilingual. First is that it could potentailly increase the student's chances at landing jobs because stated from the text " ...being bilingual could potentially increase students' chances of landing good jobs when they enter the marketplace. " Though some teachers may know the grammar the spoken language is still not their strong point. Puerto Rican are running behind many Europeans in second-language skills because " According to one...
Words: 286 - Pages: 2
...The Philippine Bilingual Education Policy (BEP) Consistent with the 1987 constitutional mandate and a declared policy of the National Board of Education (NBE) on bilingualism in the schools (NBE Resolution No. 73-7, s.1973) the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) promulgated its language policy. The policy was first implemented in 1974 when DECS issued Dept. Order No. 25, s. 1974 titled, "Implementing Guidelines for the Policy on Bilingual Education." Bilingual education in the Philippines is defined operationally as the separate use of Filipino and English as the media of instruction in specific subject areas. As embodied in the DECS Order No. 25, Pilipino (changed to Filipino in 1987) shall be used as medium of instruction in social studies/social sciences, music, arts, physical education, home economics, practical arts and character education. English, on the other hand is allocated to science, mathematics and technology subjects. The same subject allocation is provided in the 1987 Policy on Bilingual Education which is disseminated through Department Order No. 52, s. 1987. The policy on Bilingual Education aims at the achievement of competence in both Filipino and English at the national level, through the teaching of both languages and their use as media of instruction at all levels. The regional languages shall be used as auxiliary languages in Grades I and II. The aspiration of the Filipino nation is to have its citizens possess...
Words: 1584 - Pages: 7
...been debated and voted on in five voter driven states. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Oregon. The voters have been asked to make decisions about the education of the English language learners (Mora, 2009). But only three states, California (1998), Massachusetts (2002), and Arizona (2000) passed the laws for English-only learners to be put in programs, and Colorado (2002) and Oregon (2008) rejected the initiatives of the ballot (Mora, 2009). The voters were in English only groups that were against having bilingual education for the students’ (Mora, 2009). The teachers were having a hard time in learning how to teach the English language learners. But in the 1960s, the federal and state governments have created new laws and policies that give the English language students’ the rights to a meaningful and equitable education (Mora, 2009). The government also provided funds and guidelines for a transitional bilingual education program for the English language learners to help them to become educated (Mora, 2009). In the Lau v. Nichols (1974), the courts decided to take affirmative steps to protect the civil rights of the English language learners in the school districts (Mora, 2009). Because the districts were not providing them with the right programs to teach them the English that they needed to learn. On the other hand, most schools in the United States use English for their content area instructions. They also use a mixture of sound programs...
Words: 722 - Pages: 3
...When growing up in a home with two different languages being spoken, such as Spanish and English, it can cause challenges within the home. Language is the way that people communicate with each other and can connect with their culture. It is a way to maintain and keep a families together because it is part of their heritage. It can become difficult when the person is trying to create a public identity and master English since it could be confusing while learning through the process. The use of different languages at home and in public can create a barrier between the family members because the use of two languages makes it harder for parents to communicate with their children. From my observations in families where English is spoken as a second language, it can be difficult and challenging for parents to be involved in their children’s school classes and activities. They may not be aware of of what is expected throughout the school year so the child could potentially not be doing what is required in school. For example if a family has Spanish as their first language but the child’s second language is English then the parents will face challenges when their child needs help with a homework assignment. The child could try to translate it but their parents might not understand which can lead to problems within the family. This lack of communication can lead to frustration between the parents and their children because they do not understand each other. This can then consist...
Words: 401 - Pages: 2
...controversy over bilingual education. “The ultimate goal of any approach is for students to become proficient in the English Language” is agreed upon by opponents and proponents of bilingual education. The proponents state “that bilingual education is simply the most effective method for fostering the acquisition of English.” In describing many bilingual programs the Center for Equal Opportunity states that “students who don’t speak English are locked away in special programs that try to maintain native languages rather that teach English, often without their parents consent.” 2) This article discusses the public policy questions and the history of bilingualism in education in America. Most people do not realize the complexity and the history of bilingualism in America. The use of more than one language by a community has been part of the American social and political landscape for more than two centuries (Kloss, 1977). According to the wishes of parents in Ohio in 1839, the law allowed for instruction in German, English, or both in the public schools. There are probably less students receiving Spanish-English instruction than at the turn of the century when six hundred thousand elementary students were receiving all or part of their education in German, according to Kloss, 1977. The article proceeds to further discuss the political issues surrounding bilingual education. 3) From an NBC correspondent Miguel Almaguer is an article discussing bilingual education in a school...
Words: 477 - Pages: 2
...the most volatile states when considering how best to instruct English language learners (ELLs). There has been regular discussion about the best way to educate ELLs. In 1968, the door to funding was officially opened for bilingual education. According to Purcell (2002), the Bilingual Education Act authorized federal funding for programs that addressed the needs of students who had limited English skills. With more cases of disgruntled students and parents, it was clear that the education of English language learners was not going to come easily. While the concept of bilingual education is admirable, the fact is that the delivery of the education left much to be desired. With the level of dissatisfaction, the need for reform had arrived. According to Purcell (2002), businessman Ron Unz funded a large portion of Proposition 227. Under Proposition 227, Limited English Proficient (LEP) students would be given instruction in “sheltered English immersion” classrooms for a period not to exceed one year (Purcell, 2002). The instruction would be in English not the native language of the student. After the initial transition time, the student would be placed in a mainstream classroom. The California voters voiced their opinion and the proposition passed in 1998. Bilingual education was at an end. Often, voters are not able to see all that is accomplished within the walls of the...
Words: 1066 - Pages: 5
...English Should be the Only Language Immigration, legal or not, has been a problem for the United States for a long time. In the U.S., promoters of bilingualism have supported the use of other languages for public services, including government documents, hospitals services, voting ballots, and bilingual education. In their essays “A Nation Divided by One Language” and “Viva Bilingualism”, James Crawford and James Fallows claim that it is not necessary to declare English the official language of the U.S. On the other hand, in their essays “English Should Be the Only Language” and “Why the U.S. Needs an Official Language”, S. I. Hayakawa and Mauro E. Mujica argue that English should be made the official language. They contend that multilingualism puts a large financial burden on the country. One specific service in which the cost outweighs the benefits is bilingual education. It is teaching non-English speaking students all school subjects in their native language. However, it lowers the standards for public schools and tends to create a segregated environment for the students. They also point out that the U.S. is a leading nation and English is the most used language in the world. Not forcing immigrants to learn English will actually impede upon their assimilation into America. Without correcting this problem, America will suffer from disunity and divergence. Multilingual government is very expensive. More than 120 multiple languages are spoken throughout the states. To support...
Words: 1748 - Pages: 7
