1. Bilingual Education
Define Bilingual Education
What does the word “bilingual” mean?
It consist of two word such as,
Bi = twice, two
Lingual = pertaining to languages
Bilingual = able to speak one’s native language and another with approximately equal facility.
What does the word “education” mean?
Educate = to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling.
Education = the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of
reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
What does the phrase “bilingual education” mean?
1: Approaches in the classroom that use the native languages of English language learners
(ELLs) for instruction”
2: Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two different languages. Bilingual education is
the use of two different languages in classroom instruction.
History of bilingual education
Although bilingual education has been used in the United States for more than 200 years, the
1968 Title VII amendment to the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
instituted federal grants for bilingual education programs. This legislation led to the development
of appropriate teaching and learning materials and training for teachers of bilingual students.
In 1974 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the San Francisco school system had violated the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not providing English-language instruction for Chinese-speaking
students. All school districts were directed to serve ELLs adequately, and bilingual education
quickly spread throughout the United States. In the 1980s a group called Asian Americans
United filed a class-action lawsuit charging that Asian Americans were not being provided with
an equitable education because they were not offered bilingual classes. The result of this suit was
the creation of sheltered ESL, in which ESL students take all of their classes together.
The No Child Left behind (NCLB) Act of 2001—President George W. Bush's major education
initiative—reauthorized the ESEA. It also imposed penalties on schools that did not raise the
achievement levels of ELLs for at least two consecutive years. Although most research indicates
that it often takes seven years for ELLs to attain full English fluency, the new federal law allows
these children only three years before they must take standardized tests in English. Schools with
large numbers of children speaking many different languages are particularly disadvantaged
under the law. A 2003 survey by the National Education Association found that 22,000 schools
in 44 states failed to make the required yearly progress on standardized tests, primarily because
of low test scores by ELLs and disabled students. The National Association for Bilingual

2. Education claims that NCLB sets arbitrary goals for achievement and uses "invalid and
unreliable assessments." Furthermore, although the NCLB requires teachers to be qualified, as of
2004 there is a severe shortage of qualified teachers for ELLs. Some communities have
developed early-intervention programs for Spanish-speaking parents and preschoolers to help
children develop their Spanish language skills in preparation for entering English-only schools.
In May of 2004, the U.S. Department of Education and faith-based community leaders launched
an initiative to inform Hispanic, Asian, and other parents of ELLs about the NCLB. It featured
the "Declaration of Rights for Parents of English Language Learners under No Child Left
Behind."
As of 2004 American public schools include about 11 million children of immigrants.
Approximately 5.5 million students—10 percent of the public school enrollment—speak little or
no English. Spanish speakers account for 80 percent of these children. About one-third of
children enrolled in urban schools speak a primary language other than English in their homes.
Between 2001 and 2004, 19 states reported increases of 50 to 200 percent in Spanish-speaking
students. ELLs are the fastest-growing public school population in kindergarten through twelfth
grade. Between 2000 and 2002, nationwide ELL enrollment increased 27 percent. About 25
percent of California public school children are ELLs. However, there is a profound shortage of
bilingual and ESL teachers throughout the United States. Although 41 percent of U.S. teachers
have ELLs in their classrooms, only about 2.5 percent of them have degrees in ESL or bilingual
education. The majority of these teachers report that they are not well-prepared for teaching
ELLs. About 75 percent of ELLs are in poverty schools, where student turnover is high and
many teachers have only emergency credentials.
Bilingual language development
Language acquisition is very similar for monolingual and bilingual children, although some
experts view bilingualism as a specialized case of language development . Children growing up
in homes where two different languages are spoken usually acquire both languages
simultaneously. Although their acquisition of each language may be somewhat slower than that
of children who are acquiring a single language, their development in the two languages
combined is equivalent to that of monolingual children. Bilingual language learners proceed
through the same patterns of language and speech development as children acquiring a single
language. Their first words usually are spoken at about one year of age, and they begin stringing
two words together at about age two. Even if the two languages do not share similarities in
pronunciation, children eventually master them both.
There are two major patterns of bilingual language development, both occurring before the age
of three. Simultaneous bilingualism occurs when a child learns both languages at the same time.
In the early stages of simultaneous bilingual language development, a child may mix words,
parts of words, and inflections from both languages in a single sentence. Sometimes this occurs
because a child knows a word in one language but not in the other. Some bilingual children
initially resist learning words for the same thing in two languages. Children also may experiment
with their two languages for effect. During the second stage of bilingual language development,
at age four or older, children gradually begin to distinguish between the two languages and use

3. them separately, sometimes depending on where they are. One language may be used less
formally to talk about home and family , whereas the other language may be used more formally,
perhaps for relating events that took place outside the home. Often children find it easier to
express a specific idea in one language rather than the other. Bilingual children also go through
periods when one language is used more than the other. Some children may begin to prefer one
language over the other, particularly if that language is spoken more frequently in their home or
school. Bilingual children usually are not equally skilled in both languages. Often they
understand more in one language but speak more in the other.
Sequential bilingualism occurs when children use their knowledge of and experience with a first
language to rapidly acquire a second language. The first language may influence the way in
which they learn and use their second language. Learning the second language is easier for
children if the sounds, words, and vocabulary of the languages are similar.
Bilingual language development usually proceeds more smoothly when both languages are
introduced early and simultaneously. When the parents each use a different language with their
child, the child is less likely to experience language confusion.
Research indicates that there are numerous advantages to bilingualism. Bilingualism has been
reported to improve the following skills:
• verbal and linguistic abilities
• general reasoning
• concept formation
• divergent thinking
• metalinguistic skills, the ability to analyze and talk about language and control language
processing
These abilities are important for reading development in young children and may be a
prerequisite for later learning to read and write in a new language.
Bilingual Education Goals include:
teaching English,
fostering academic achievement,
assisting immigrants acculturation to a new society,
preserving a minority group’s linguistic and cultural heritage,
enabling English speakers to learn a second language,
developing national language resources, or
any combination of the above.
Types of bilingual education
Bilingual education is common throughout the world and involves hundreds of languages. In the
United States bilingualism is assumed to mean English and another language, often Spanish.
More than 300 languages are spoken in the United States. In New York City schools, classroom

4. instruction is given in 115 different languages. Bilingual education includes all teaching methods
that are designed to meet the needs of English-language learners (ELLs), also referred to as
"limited English proficient" (LEP) students.
There are numerous approaches to bilingual education, although all include English as a second
language (ESL). ESL is English language instruction that includes little or no use of a child's
native language. ESL classes often include students with many different primary languages.
Some school districts use a variety of approaches to bilingual education, designing individual
programs based on the needs of each child.
A common approach is transitional bilingual education (TBE). TBE programs include ESL;
however, some or all academic classes are conducted in children's primary languages until they
are well-prepared for English-only classes. Even children who converse well in English may not
be ready to learn academic subjects in English. Often these children spend part of the school day
in an intensive ESL program and the remainder of the day receiving instruction in their primary
language. Bilingual teachers may help students improve their primary language skills. Bilingual/
bicultural programs include instruction in the history and culture of a student's ethnic heritage.
Studies have shown that children who receive several years of instruction in their native
language learn English faster and have higher overall academic achievement levels that those
who do not.
Two-way bilingual or dual-language programs use both English and a second language in
classrooms made up of both ELLs and native English speakers. The goal is for both groups to
become bilingual. Children in two way bilingual education programs have been found to
outperform their peers academically.
Many educators—and a segment of the public—believe in the English immersion approach, even
if ELLs do not understand very much in the classroom. In this approach nearly all instruction is
in English, and there is little or no use of other languages. If the teacher is bilingual, students
may be allowed to ask questions in their native language, but the teacher answers them in
English. Some schools employ structured English immersion or sheltered English, in which
teachers use pictures, simple reading words, and other techniques to teach ELLs both English
and academic subjects.
WHY IS BILINGUAL EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
Over the past 10 years, the number of LEP students in the nation's schools has
increased by 50%, to 3 million students - a figure that is expected to double in the next
decade. Along with rising numbers of students, have been rising costs. The federal
government spends an estimated $250 million a year on bilingual education, and large
urban districts such as New York City, spend even more. But it is not just the large
urban districts that face an increasingly diverse student population. Many suburban
and rural schools now wrestle with the issue. In years to come, experts say that few
districts will be left untouched by the nation's changing demographics.

5. While growing diversity would be enough to put bilingual education on the front-
burner, other issues are prompting educators to examine the capability of their
bilingual programs. A disproportionate number of LEP students experience school
failure; among Hispanics, for example, there is a 40% dropout rate, a 35% grade
retention rate, and a two-four grade level achievement gap. Standards-based reform
also raises questions about program capacity. Today, it is neither socially nor
economically acceptable to be content with minimal standards for any group. How to
provide equal educational opportunity to all children, regardless of their English
proficiency, will be an ongoing challenge for schools.
The most common approaches are the following:
• Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE), where children are provided with
English language instruction, and academic instruction in their native language
for some portion of the day. The goal is to prepare students for mainstream
classes without letting them fall behind in subject areas. In theory, children
transition out of these programs within a few years.
• Developmental Bilingual Education, which aims to preserve and build on
students' native language skills as they master English. The goal is fluency in
both languages.
• Immersion Programs, which offer instruction entirely in English and use the
native language only for clarification. The goal is to mainstream students
within one or two years. Immersion programs are typically combined with an
English-as-a-second-language (ESL) pull-out component.
About one-quarter of LEP students, nationwide, are enrolled in TBE or developmental
bilingual programs. Another half receives ESL instruction with minimal native
language support. The remaining students - over 25% - receive no special services to
teach them English or accommodate their linguistic needs.
Advantages of Bilingual Education
By Sarah Holt
The advantages of bilingual education are many.
An Addition, Not a Detraction
Knowing another language, and being encouraged to incorporate it, does not mean that the main
language needs to suffer. If done in a way that allows for both languages to coexist then the
advantages of bilingual education can be acknowledged without the threat that it will take away
from learning the dominant language.

6. Understanding Ideas and Concepts
Among the advantages of bilingual education are the benefits inherent in learning about ideas
and concepts in the language one is use to, and then transferring that knowledge over to the
culture's dominant language. Many believe that it is more useful to transfer ideas and concepts
into another language once they are understood, rather than to learn them in a new language
where the understanding of it is incomplete.
Access to More Opportunities
One advantage of bilingual education is that it enables the advancement of two languages. This
can be very useful preparation for later careers where bilingual workers are needed. It also allows
for opportunities that may be available in other countries where that language is spoken.
Cultural Awareness
Being aware of another culture is another of the advantages of bilingual education. Every
language is rich in cultural information, from the way it is spoken to the objects that are
represented. One example of this is that the Eskimos have many words for snow, whereas the
English language only has the one word. In describing the different snow conditions that impact
their lives, their language is necessary, since the English word for it is too vague and ambiguous.
Communications at Home
Bilingual education is a better way to support communications at home. If a student is learning
both languages then the bonds within their family can be maintained with the language spoken at
home. This can be very valuable since any education is enhanced by family support and
communication.
Other Students Can Learn From Them
Many parents today recognize the value of having their children learn another language.
Bilingual students can be a useful resource in achieving this, if while they are learning the
dominant language, other students are learning their language.
The controversy over bilingual education will certainly continue, but despite the varying
arguments there are many advantages of bilingual education that cannot be ignored.
DISADVANTAGE OF BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Unsuccessful Attempt at Integration into Society: Bilingual education was deemed
necessary since it was supposed to help integrate the children of immigrants and minorities into society.
The system of bilingual education demanded separate teachers and classrooms and believed in gradual
integration into society by allowing children to receive education in their native language for a period of 3
or more years. Proponents of a single medium of instruction opposed bilingual education since they
believed that separate teachers and classrooms would widen the already existing gap between citizens
and immigrants. They further proposed that encouraging children to interact within their own community

7. for a period of 3 years would delay the process of adjusting to the ways of life in a new country.
School Drop Out Rates: Over the years, the dropout rate in various schools across North
America has reduced significantly. The medium of instruction in above mentioned schools is English.
However, there has been no reduction in the drop out rates for schools offering bilingual education. Most
people feel that a drop out rate of 35% doesn't justify the costs involved in providing bilingual education.
Unavailability of Teachers: Bilingual education requires a number of trained teachers who are
proficient in both English and their native language, assuming that English is one of the mediums of
instruction. There is a wide gap between the demand and the supply for teachers who are both confident
and capable of handing the intense pressure associated with managing a class of students requiring
special attention.
Lack of Classrooms: There is a dearth of classrooms that can accommodate students who require
instructions in both English and their native language. Students are expected to sit together in one class
regardless of their age and the variations in the required level of education. This poses a great problem
for teachers who, in addition to being well versed in two languages, have to exhibit a certain level of
comfort in handling different levels of education simultaneously.
Lack of Funds: The above issues bring us to the crux of the problem; lack of funds to promote
bilingual education. The debate on bilingual education would be redundant had there been sufficient
funds to promote its cause. Had the means to satisfy the wants of various sections of society been
unlimited, we would be debating a moot point.
Bilingual education can be advantageous to some but disadvantageous to the society as a whole.
Immigration and cultural integration are not easy issues to deal with. Immigrants and citizens have different
views on what would be best fo Issue: Bilinguil Education
Parental involvement in education provides a unique opportunity for parents to grow
in their roles as teachers and decision makers. Parents have an opportunity to help
their children learn by helping with instruction at home and at school. They also can
influence learning by providing input into decisions about programs designed to
address their children's special needs, however the parents need to understand how
schools.
This lack of understanding is particularly problematic for parents of language minority
students who are not proficient in English, either because they do not speak English
well themselves or because they feel alienated from the school system. It is critical
that they comprehend that schools have the responsibility to help their children and
that they know exactly how this charge should be dispensed and their programs
operate
Ten key questions that parents must ask are discussed below.
1.
Does the school district have policies that support and value the
contributions of bilingual education in the community?
Policies passed by the school board at the campus level are statements that support
and lend credence to certain actions that must occur at the campus or classroom
level. Policies are statements that support a philosophy about student learning and
success. These policies become the voice of the school district and tell teacher and
all school personnel how the school board thinks and expects the schools to act.

8. Policies that cast a doubt about the value of bilingual education are usually
interpreted at the school level as permission to do otherwise or to give little attention
to the issue. Parents must examine these policies and push for the revision of policies
to ensure quality educational opportunities for all children. Parents have a key
responsibility as advocates for the rights of children to demand policies that support
and value bilingual education.
2. Does the school value and support bilingual education as a most
promising instructional program for children who are of limited English
proficiency.
A school that communicates to its faculty and community that a certain program is
suspect creates a hostile environment that dooms that program to failure before it is
given a chance to succeed such as:
• What does the school do in order to make sure that all teachers know about
bilingual education, not only the bilingual teachers?
• What are administrators doing about supporting and promoting bilingual
education? What is the school doing to ensure that my children get the best
education?
3. Is the bilingual education program given high status or at least seen as
important as any other successful program in the school?
Primary language instruction in Spanish helps in at least two ways First, through
Spanish the child can learn concepts and develop skills in the core "content areas,"
such as math, science and social studies while he or she is mastering the skills of
English. Second, instruction in Spanish develops or improves the child's skills in this
language. In many cases, children's competence in Spanish is only in the oral skills.
Other children's Spanish skills may be latent, or hiding, in the subconscious because of
lack of practice. Yet, these students identify with the language because, through it,
they can stay connected to family and friends in the community. Staying connected is
an important element in positive motivation and self-concept development, and these
attitudes and feelings influence student learning in general.
•
• .4 Is the bilingual education program given the necessary
resources to function effectively?
• School districts are allocated additional funds for the resources needed to
implement a quality bilingual education program. Many times these funds are
not used as effectively as they could be to upgrade the quality of the bilingual
education program. Many programs do not have the qualified teachers to
implement the program, and the school district does not take the necessary
steps to acquire these qualified teachers. There is no attempt to grow its own
bilingual teachers in the community.
Parents should ask questions about the qualifications of the teachers, their
commitment to preserve the integrity of the bilingual program and the opportunities

9. in the school district to upgrade or refine the teachers' skills to address the needs of
LEP students. Is this commitment with the bilingual education teachers across the
board? .
5. Are bilingual teachers implementing bilingual education as it should
be implemented?
Many schools will have well designed plans for the implementation of bilingual
education programs. Administrators and teachers can articulate the principles of
bilingual education and can talk about their commitment to all children. However,
when we observe many bilingual education classrooms, we know right away that
bilingual instruction is not happening and that teachers feel the pressure to exit
students to English as soon as possible.
Parents should visit the classrooms and see if the teachers are giving equal value to
both languages, see how often both languages are used for instruction, see how the
teacher uses the children's experiences to base the instruction, and see if the
teachers use both languages to assess children's knowledge. .
6. Is there an urgency to exit students from the bilingual education
program with no regard for their readiness to transfer to an all English
program?
Texas requires that schools have a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee
(LPAC) to determine and approve bilingual education offerings and exiting of students
from the program. Many times these committees are faced with pressure, overtly or
covertly expressed, from administrators and teachers to move students out of the
program as soon as possible. Moving a student out of a bilingual education program
prematurely will have adverse effects on the student's achievement. Nevertheless, it
is not uncommon to see the urgency to get students out of the bilingual program with
no support to provide for the adjustment to the transition experience.
Parents must not allow for schools to exit students prematurely from the bilingual
education program. They should inquire about the existing policies and the expertise
that LPAC committee members have in bilingual education to make these extremely
important decisions. They should require that training be provided to LPAC members
periodically.
7. What criteria are being used by the school to ensure that children are
placed in a quality instructional program, one that will cause children to
achieve and excel?
The state law and rules for educating LEP students indicate that parents have the
right to information and to decision +making, and they specify how parents need to

10. be informed and involved. Specifically, the parent(s) of every child who qualifies for
the program must receive information about the program features and benefits. Then,
most importantly, the parent(s) must provide consent in writing for the student's
participation in the program.
Once the child is in the program, parents must receive information on the child's
assessment and progress, program placement changes, and completion of the program
(exiting). Parents also, must be part of the district's Language Proficiency Assessment
Committees. So, one thing parents can do is to become more familiar with
Commissioner's Rules Concerning State Plan for Educating Limited English Proficient
Students and other information about bilingual education from the state-as well as
other sources.
The state law and rules for educating LEP students indicate that parents have the
right to information and to decision +making, and they specify how parents need to
be informed and involved. Specifically, the parent(s) of every child who qualifies for
the program must receive information about the program features and benefits. Then,
most importantly, the parent(s) must provide consent in writing for the student's
participation in the program.
Once the child is in the program, parents must receive information on the child's
assessment and progress, program placement changes, and completion of the program
(exiting). Parents also, must be part of the district's Language Proficiency Assessment
Committees. So, one thing parents can do is to become more familiar with
Commissioner's Rules Concerning State Plan for Educating Limited English Proficient
Students and other information about bilingual education from the state-as well as
other sources.
• These questions discussed in this article are among the key questions that
parents may ask schools when they are not convinced that their bilingual
programs are producing the results in achievement that will provide the LEP
students the same opportunities to make those choices that make a difference
for people.
•
•
•
•

11. Common problems
Language delay
Language and learning difficulties occur with the same frequency in monolingual and bilingual
children. However, as the number of bilingual children in the United States increases, it becomes
increasingly important for parents and pediatricians to understand the normal patterns of
bilingual language development in order to recognize abnormal language development in a
bilingual child.
If a bilingual child has a speech or language problem, it should be apparent in both languages.
However detecting language delays or abnormalities in bilingual children can be difficult. Signs
of possible language delay in bilingual children include the following:
• not making sounds between two and six months of age
• fewer than one new word per week in children aged six to 15 months
• fewer than 20 words in the two languages combined by 20 months of age
• limited vocabulary without word combinations in children aged two to three years of age
• prolonged periods without using speech
• difficulty remembering words
• missing normal milestones of language development in the first language of a sequentially
bilingual child
Language development in bilingual children can be assessed by a bilingual speech/language
pathologist or by a professional who has knowledge of the rules and structure of both languages,
perhaps with the assistance of a translator or interpreter.
English-only education
ELLs in English-only programs often fall behind academically. Many ELLs who are assessed
using traditional methods are referred for special education . Such children often become school
drop-outs.
Parental concerns
Parents in bilingual households can help their children by taking the following steps:
• speaking the language in which they are most comfortable
• being consistent regarding how and with whom they use each language
• using each language's grammar in a manner that is appropriate for the child's developmental
stage
• keeping children interested and motivated in language acquisition
•

12. • Should we ban bilingual Education?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Why? Numerous research studies and common sense tell you that people are more
successful and have more opportunities in life if they learn more than one language. We
should make it more widespread and available, if anything.
Can you give ANY support in favor of banning it? 100% agree
Other Answers (2)
by Kate
As some one who teaches in a bilingual school and is generally in favor of it, here is what
I see.
(Also, studies on bilingual education show VERY diverse results depending on what
factors are being examined, so generically sourcing studies will not help you answer this
question.)
Pros - bilingual education has been shown to be very challenging for students who do not
have a firm foundation in one language before they begin. This means that students with
communication or language processing disorders have additional difficulty learning
material presented in more than one language. This is why special education programs
are generally offered only in one language.
- cost of bilingual education is expensive and there is no "fair" way to determine which
language should be selected by a public school as the second language. Why should some
ELL students receive instruction in their home language while others don’t?
- students learning more than one language often experience delays in language learning
in both languages that may last between 3 to 5 years. This means that a child may
experience difficulties in school for three to five years!
now the cons of banning (I'm assuming public schools here).
- students are often more engaged when they are taught in their home language
-scaffolding and stepping instruction in a familiar language can encourage increased
learning of academic content while the second language is being taught - ie. there are
successful strategies for helping handle the three to five year difficulty period
- students exposed to alternative languages are by definition exposed to alternative
cultures from a very emic perspective.
- it is very politically trendy right now

13. - students who speak more than one language will have that ability for life and depending
on their skill set or desires this may help them in the future
- bilingual schools have an easier time reaching and engaging parents who may not have
english as a spoken language.
Generally, I think it's good to have as many options as possible. I worry about bilingual
education when students are not able to be proficient in English or math. I would not
suggest banning bilingual education, rather trying to ensure that instruction in English
and math does not suffer because of the additional language content.7 month ago and
0%agrees.
Twenty-Five Quick Tips for Classroom Teachers
Do you want to create an effective learning environment for your English language learners?
Pick five ideas that you have never tried from the list below and implement them in your
content area or mainstream classroom. You will be surprised to see how much the learning
of ELLs improves.
Before Teaching the Lesson
1. Determine the English language learning level of your ELLs. Be realistic about what you
expect ELLs to do.
2. Plan ahead. Think about how you will make the content comprehensible to your ELLs.
Consider the following questions.
o How will you link the content to the students’ previous knowledge?
o How will you build background information? Show a video or read a book aloud
about your topic first.
o Decide what language and concepts need to be pre-taught.
o How can you develop content area vocabulary? What visuals will you need?
3. Reflect on how you can teach to oral, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning
modalities.
4. Prepare teaching aids such as maps, charts, pictures, and flashcards before the lesson is
taught.
5. Add vocabulary word banks to student activities.

14. 6. Adapt text so that the concepts are paraphrased in easier English. Eliminate non-
essential details.
7. Find non-fiction books in the library written at a lower level about the topic you are
teaching.
During the Lesson
8. Build on what ELLs already know.
9. Simplify vocabulary and sentence structure. Pre-teach vocabulary in context.
10. Use embedded or yes/no questions; give ELLs questions you will ask in advance so that
they can prepare.
11. Introduce concrete concepts and vocabulary first.
12. Teach students to categorize their information using graphic organizers. Create
semantic and story maps.
13. Demonstrate highlighting techniques so that students can highlight important
information.
14. Review and repeat important concepts and vocabulary.
15. Provide concrete “real” examples and experiences.
16. Teach ELLs to find definitions for key vocabulary in the text.
17. Help ELLs become acquainted with their textbooks (table of contents, glossary, index,
etc.)
18. Model your thinking processes for students using “think-alouds”.
19. Tape record part of your lesson to reinforce learning.
After the lesson
20. Have classmates make copies of their notes for ELLs to use.
21. Have ELLs watch videos or listen to tapes about current lesson using close caption
feature.
22. Provide follow-up activities that reinforce vocabulary and concepts.

15. 23. Have students work in small groups or pairs so that language and concepts are
reinforced.
24. Adjust homework assignment to your Ells’ English language proficiency.
25. Modify assessment so that your ELLs have an opportunity to show what they have
learned.
BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OPINION
Opponents of bilingual education tell us that the public is against bilingual education. This
impression is a result of the way the question is asked. One can easily get a near-100-percent
rejection of bilingual education when the question is biased. Porter (1990), for example, states
that "Many parents are not committed to having the schools maintain the mother tongue if it is at
the expense of gaining a sound education and the English-language skills needed for obtaining
jobs or pursuing higher education" (p. 8). Who would support mother tongue education at such a
price?
However, when respondents are simply asked whether or not they support bilingual education,
the degree of support is quite strong: From 60-99 percent of samples of parents and teachers say
they support bilingual education (Krashen, 1996). In a series of studies, Shin (Shin, 1994; Shin &
Gribbons, 1996) examined attitudes toward the principles underlying bilingual education. Shin
found that many respondents agree with the idea that the first language can be helpful in
providing background knowledge, most agree that literacy transfers across languages, and most
support the principles underlying continuing bilingual education (economic and cognitive
advantages).
The number of people opposed to bilingual education is probably even less than these results
suggest; many people who say they are opposed to bilingual education are actually opposed to
certain practices (e.g., inappropriate placement of children) or are opposed to regulations
connected to bilingual education (e.g., forcing teachers to acquire another language to keep their
jobs).
Despite what is presented to the public in the national media, research has revealed much support
for bilingual education. McQuillan and Tse (in press) reviewed publications appearing between
1984 and 1994, and reported that 87 percent of academic publications supported bilingual
education, but newspaper and magazine opinion articles tended to be antibilingual education,
with only 45 percent supporting bilingual education. One wonders what public support would
look like if bilingual education were more clearly defined in such articles and editorials.
THE RESEARCH DEBATE
It is sometimes claimed that research does not support the efficacy of bilingual education. Its
harshest critics, however (e.g., Rossell & Baker, 1996), do not claim that bilingual education
does not work; instead, they claim there is little evidence that it is superior to all-English

16. programs. Nevertheless, the evidence used against bilingual education is not convincing. One
major problem is in labeling. Several critics, for example, have claimed that English immersion
programs in El Paso and McAllen, Texas, were shown to be superior to bilingual education. In
each case, however, programs labeled immersion were really bilingual education, with a
substantial part of the day taught in the primary language. In another study, Gersten (1985)
claimed that all-English immersion was better than bilingual education. However, the sample
size was small and the duration of the study was short; also, no description of "bilingual
education" was provided. For a detailed discussion, see Krashen (1996).
On the other hand, a vast number of other studies have shown that bilingual education is
effective, with children in well-designed programs acquiring academic English at least as well
and often better than children in all-English programs (Cummins, 1989; Krashen, 1996; Willig,
1985). Willig concluded that the better the experimental design of the study, the more positive
were the effects of bilingual education.
Opposition to bilingual education
In 1980 voters in Dade County, Florida, made English their official language. In 1981 California
Senator S. I. Hayakawa introduced a constitutional amendment to make English the country's
official language. In 1983 Hayakawa founded U.S. English, Inc., which grew to include 1.8
million members by 2004. U.S. English argues the following premises:
• The unifying effect of the English language must be preserved in the United States.
• Bilingual education fails to adequately teach English.
• Learning English quickly in English-only classrooms is best for ELLs, both academically
and socially.
• Any special language instruction should be short-term and transitional.
In 1986 California voters passed Proposition 63 that made English the state's official language.
Other states did the same. In 1998 Californians passed Proposition 227, a referendum that
attempted to eliminate bilingual education by allowing only one year of structured English
immersion, followed by mainstreaming. Similar initiatives have appeared on other state ballots.
However, only 9 percent of the California children attained English proficiency in one year, and
most remained in the immersion programs for a second year. Prior to the new law only 29
percent of California ELLs were in bilingual programs, in part because of a shortage of qualified
teachers. Since the law allowed parents to apply for waivers, 12 percent of the ELLs were
allowed to remain in bilingual classes.
In January of 2004, as part of a lawsuit settlement, the California State Board of Education was
forced to radically revise the implementation of their "Reading First" program. Previously
California had withheld all of the $133 million provided by NCLB from ELLs enrolled in
alternative bilingual programs.