Bilingual education is so controversial that four states have banned the program in their public schools, while other states have embraced it. This article discusses the pros and cons of the bilingual education model.
A Definition of Bilingual Education for ESL Students
Bilingual Education is a term used to describe models of educational programming in which English as a second language (ESL) students are taught part or all of their curriculum in their native language. For example, young children might be taught to read in their native language of Spanish; they are transitioned to English-only instruction when their English is proficient enough to ensure success.
The amount of time spent learning content (e.g. math, science, social studies) in ESL students’ native language versus learning it in English or even simply learning to speak English varies from program to program. But the philosophy behind bilingual programming is that students learn best in their native language, and will be more academically proficient if allowed to learn critical content in the language in which they are most fluent, even while learning to speak English.
Arguments in Favor of Bilingual Education and Native Language Instruction
Robert Slavin and Alan Cheung, in a 2003 review of the research on reading programs for English language learners, determined that bilingual approaches to education were more effective than English only immersion programs. They found that programs that teach reading in the student's native language and teach English at the same time were the most effective. Slavin and Cheung cite studies indicating that proficiency in reading in a child’s native language is a strong predictor of their ultimate English reading performance.
Many educational experts, such as Stephen Krashen and Jim Cummins, maintain that when students can learn content in their native language, they will learn faster and will also learn to speak English faster. The belief is that a student who is not fluent in English will learn English more easily if he or she has already learned the foundational processes of reading and higher level content and concepts in his or her native language.
Many educators also believe that it is important for ESL students to become literate in their native languages. The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) actively promotes the concept of bi-literacy, saying that people who are bi-literate will fare better in a global world.
Arguments Opposing Bilingual Education and in Favor of English Immersion
Critics of bilingual education believe that the best way to educate English language learners is to completely immerse them in the English language. They argue that allowing and even encouraging students to learn in their primary language is expensive and does not expose them to enough English to become proficient quickly. Some also argue that native language instruction interferes with or delays the learning of English, saying this works against the child.
Many who argue against bilingual education come from a position of favoring English as the national language of the U.S.. However, some agree with Rosalie Pedalino Porter, director of the Institute for Research in English Acquisition (READ) in Amherst, Massachusetts, who asserted in a 1998 Atlantic Monthly article, that bilingual education leads to segregation of non-English-speaking students.
There are also many educators who say that bilingual education programs are simply not practicable, particularly in schools or districts where there are a multitude of languages with perhaps small numbers of students who speak each of those languages. In these cases it may be too expensive for schools to deliver instruction in specific individual languages.
In school districts with large numbers of students who speak the same language, programming may be feasible, but is generally still expensive. In the U.S. this tends to be the case in cities and states with large numbers of Spanish speakers. These also tend to be the locations where the issue of bilingual education is most hotly debated.
Quality Paired Bilingual Education Programs Recommended
Slavin and Cheung, among others, recommend paired bilingual strategies that teach reading in the native language and teach English at the same time. However, these researchers say, what is most important is the quality of the program. Whether taught in their native language or in English, English language learners benefit most from comprehensive programs using systematic instruction, one-to-one or small group tutoring and cooperative learning strategies.
Bilingual education is a controversial educational policy. Research seems to point in one direction, but politics and social attitudes paint a different picture, particularly in the United States. However, the need to educate children who are learning English as their second language is critical. Each school, school district and community faces its own unique student population and cultural considerations and circumstances. This article is intended only as a starting point in the discussion.
References:
Medina, Loreta (editor). At Issue Series: Bilingual Education. Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2003.
Slavin, Robert E. and Cheung, Alan. "Effective Reading Programs for English Language Learners." Johns Hopkins University, Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk (CRESPAR): December 2003.
Margaret M. Williams - Margaret M. Williams (Peggy) has been a teacher for over 25 years. She currently teaches first grade in a classroom that combines native ...
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