Bilingual education

Definition

Bilingual education is an instructional strategy that involves teaching academic content in two languages, typically a student's native language and a second language, usually English. This approach aims to support English language learners (ELLs) in their acquisition of English while simultaneously promoting their academic success in other subjects. Bilingual education recognizes the importance of cultural identity and fosters a more inclusive environment for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bilingual education programs can vary significantly, including transitional, maintenance, and dual language models, each with different goals for language development.
2. Research has shown that bilingual education can lead to improved cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, in students.
3. Effective bilingual education programs help students maintain their native language while learning English, which can enhance their self-esteem and cultural identity.
4. Federal laws and policies have influenced the implementation of bilingual education, including the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 and subsequent legislation aimed at supporting ELLs.
5. The effectiveness of bilingual education is often measured through student achievement in both languages and their overall academic performance compared to peers in monolingual programs.

Review Questions

• How does bilingual education support English Language Learners (ELLs) in achieving academic success?
  • Bilingual education supports ELLs by allowing them to learn in their native language while also acquiring English. This dual approach helps reduce language barriers, enabling students to grasp complex concepts in subjects like math and science without being hindered by their limited English proficiency. Moreover, this model promotes a positive cultural identity, which can further motivate ELLs to engage and succeed academically.
• What are the differences between various models of bilingual education, such as transitional and dual language immersion?
  • Transitional bilingual education focuses on shifting students from their native language to English over time, primarily using the first language until they are proficient in English. In contrast, dual language immersion programs integrate both native and non-native English speakers, teaching them together in both languages with the goal of achieving bilingualism and biliteracy. Each model has its own goals and methods for supporting language development and academic achievement.
• Evaluate the impact of federal legislation on the development and implementation of bilingual education programs in schools.
  • Federal legislation has played a crucial role in shaping bilingual education by providing funding and guidelines for program development. The Bilingual Education Act of 1968 marked a significant shift toward recognizing the educational needs of non-English speaking students. However, subsequent policies have varied widely, impacting resources available for bilingual programs and influencing public perception. As a result, some schools have strengthened their bilingual offerings while others face challenges due to lack of support or political opposition, highlighting the ongoing debate around effective educational practices for diverse student populations.

Related terms

English Language Learners (ELLs): Students whose primary language is not English and who require additional support to achieve proficiency in English.

Translanguaging: An educational approach that encourages the use of multiple languages in the classroom, allowing students to draw on their entire linguistic repertoire.

Dual Language Immersion: A program model where students are taught literacy and content in two languages, aiming for bilingualism and biliteracy among all students.