The Debate Around Bilingual Education

The Debate around Bilingual Education

Bilingual education refers to the programs designed to give support to non-English-speaking children and including various types of models such as transitional bilingual programs or developmental bilingual programs. These services were limited until 1970's. Now its advocates in U.S.A. argue for bilingual education as a civil right. Although it becomes increasingly popular and effective for most immigrant children, it continues to spark controversy between its opponents and its supporters. On the one hand bilingual education is beneficial, in terms of preserving national identity and developing job opportunity, on the other hand it has some significant flaws such as the shortage of well-qualified teachers, limited access to textbooks, or even promotion of segregation in schools.

Bilingual education is especially beneficial when it comes to preserving minority children's cultural identity and the connection between their home and school. Students in such programs are not harmed by negative messages about the value of their language and culture, which is an important element in their self-esteem. It is obvious that coming into an unknown place children undergo traumatic experiences which may lead to confusion and anxiety. In order to prevent such situations school society has to pay appropriate attention to the child's heritage and culture. If students receive messages about the lesser importance of their native language, it can have a negative influence not only on their relationship with other children but also on their long-term success in school. Furthermore, linguistic minority students frequently develop their skills in English through contacts with English-speaking classmates. In order to establish these contacts, children need to feel that others understand their racial or ethnic background. Schools cannot let students seek social acceptance only through relations with their families, close friends, and community members with similar values. Bilingual education gives a chance to build cross-cultural communities and friendships among students and parents. Through these programs people can finally see the important role of non-English languages in U.S. society. Dual education programs develop multiculturalism in the sense that they give both English speaking and native language speaking children a chance to enjoy learning about new cultural group through contact with members of a second ethnolinguistic group.

Another important issue that speaks in favor of bilingual education is the instructions in two languages (English and native). If students are left with no help in understanding lessons, they will not learn English. Courses must be built on the language, skills, and concepts that students already know. Children who are proficient in their native language will more easily acquire good second language. It will help them make the English they hear more comprehensible. Moreover, students who are permitted to develop a high degree of literacy in their native language will learn not only more English but also the content of lessons. It has been proven that children who are being taught using instructions in their first language, perform better on tests than children who participate in all-English programs.

The most beneficial and effective of bilingual education programs are dual language programs. Children who failed in various types of English as a second language programs gained enormous profits in programs mentioned above. The popularity of dual language education has increased in the last 15 years and it includes 283 programs in 24 states. In each of these programs a class consists of two groups of students who study together most of the day. They acquire language and knowledge through instructions in both languages. The main goal is that children obtain proficiency in both of them. Dual language programs include variation of languages such as Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Japanese, etc.. Most of the models of dual language programs separate language of instructions for content areas subject. Consequently, mathematics is selected as the one to be taught in English, whereas science and social studies are delivered in minority language. There is also another important practice called the language of the day. Activities such as Pledge of Allegiance, daily news, physical education, storytelling, music, lunch breaks are conducted in different languages, which change every day. All these elements mentioned above caused that dual language programs became successful and popular among immigrant and Anglo parents.

Finally, some studies indicate that many students see being in bilingual programs as a plus for their life and future prospects. Participation in all-English programs may lead to loss of their primacy language and consequently to the reduction of opportunities to get a job. Dual education programs are created to promote literacy and knowledge growth in other core curriculum areas such as native language which students may need in the future. Since the world becomes more multicultural, multilingual skills constitute an important resource that deserves protection. There is an increasing need for people in government, business, and commerce able to communicate in foreign tongues. Furthermore, financial situation of many immigrant families is very bad. In order to improve their economic position, parents should take the opportunity to give their children professional courses in bilingual programs.

In spite of the fact that both supporters and opponents of bilingual education agree that their goal is to find the best way for children to obtain English as fast as possible, it has sparked as much controversy as any other education issue. Critics argue that bilingual education has