8.1 Bilingual Education and English Language Learners

Bilingual education and English Language Learners (ELLs) are key issues in American schools. These programs aim to help students learn English while maintaining their native language, using methods like immersion and dual language instruction.

ELLs face unique challenges in developing both conversational and academic English skills. Schools use various approaches to support them, including ESL programs and sheltered instruction. Federal policies and standards guide these efforts to ensure ELLs receive appropriate education.

Bilingual Education Programs

Types of Bilingual Education Programs

Top images from around the web for Types of Bilingual Education Programs

• 

  Educational success through bilingual education - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  21st-Century Teachers and Learners – Meeting the Needs of All Learners – Curriculum Essentials ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Educational success through bilingual education - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  21st-Century Teachers and Learners – Meeting the Needs of All Learners – Curriculum Essentials ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Types of Bilingual Education Programs

• 

  Educational success through bilingual education - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  21st-Century Teachers and Learners – Meeting the Needs of All Learners – Curriculum Essentials ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Educational success through bilingual education - Language on the Move View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  21st-Century Teachers and Learners – Meeting the Needs of All Learners – Curriculum Essentials ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Bilingual education involves teaching academic content in two languages, typically a native language and a second language
• Immersion programs submerge students in the target language for most or all of the school day to accelerate language acquisition
• Transitional bilingual education begins with instruction primarily in the native language, gradually increasing the use of English over time
• Dual language programs teach literacy and content in two languages, aiming for bilingualism and biliteracy for all students

Program Goals and Implementation

• Bilingual education aims to develop proficiency in both languages while supporting academic achievement
• Immersion programs can be one-way (for language majority students learning a new language) or two-way (mixing native speakers of both languages)
• Transitional programs typically last 2-3 years before students move to English-only classrooms
• Dual language programs maintain instruction in both languages throughout elementary school, often with a 50/50 split between languages

English Language Learners

Characteristics and Language Development

• English Language Learners (ELLs) are students who are in the process of learning English as an additional language
• BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) refers to conversational language skills developed in 1-3 years
• CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) involves academic language skills that take 5-7 years to develop fully
• Language acquisition follows predictable stages, from silent period to advanced fluency

Instructional Approaches for ELLs

• ESL (English as a Second Language) programs provide specialized English instruction to support language development
• Sheltered instruction techniques make content more accessible to ELLs through modified language and visual supports
• Content-based ESL integrates language learning with academic subject matter
• Pull-out and push-in models offer targeted language support either outside or within the regular classroom

Policies and Standards

Federal Policies for ELL Education

• Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides funding and guidelines for ELL education
• Title III requires states to establish English language proficiency standards and assess ELLs annually
• Schools must provide language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) to help ELLs attain English proficiency
• Title III mandates parental notification of ELL identification and program placement

WIDA Standards and Assessment

• WIDA (World-class Instructional Design and Assessment) consortium develops English language development standards
• WIDA standards cover social and instructional language, language of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
• ACCESS for ELLs is the annual assessment used by WIDA consortium states to measure English language proficiency
• WIDA standards use performance indicators to describe language development across six proficiency levels