Bilingual Educationand ESL

WHAT IS ESL/Bilingual

ESL is a second language program that uses only English as the instructional language for eligible students.

Bilingual is a educational program that teaches non-English speaking students core subjects in their native language as they learn English.

Purpose of ESL/Bilingual Programs

The purpose of ESL is to give students the opportunity to achieve English proficiency and academic mastery of subject matter content and higher order content.

The purpose of Bilingual programs is to help immigrant children keep up with their peers and receive a quality education

DO the Programs Work?

ESL Bilingual Studies show that

English Immersion (ESL) works because of an 2 year intense study of English skill development. After mastery of the skill of English these students achieve passing scores on reading and math as well.

Studies show that Bilingual education programs do not teach students the English language and literacy they need for school success. Delaying the language of English, which is a part of school and community lowered grades on test.

http://www.proenglish.org/issues/education/beindex.html

Instructional Requirements Main requirement – Teach English to those

that is not their native language

Federal Government dictates how the program is done and the standards of the programs

State Governments can choose which specific ESL program but has to meet the standards set forth by the federal government

Instructional Requirements Bilingual Education Act of 1968- directed originally at Spanish-

speaking students to teach them English, but the final bill included all those whose dominant language is other than English

1974 Amendment – include those with limited English speaking ability

Equal Education Opportunity Act of 1974 - three factors federal government uses to see if state and school districts are complying

School program based upon sound education theory or principles

School program reasonably calculated to implement education theory effectively

After period of time, program’s results showing language barriers being overcome

Issues Resolved Regarding Implementation

The recruitment of certified bilingual teachers

The “ghettoization” and politicization of bilingual education

Race relations in the district A community consensus on bilingual

education as a pedagogical strategy across language needs

Tools and Testing

Materials Used Skill Area Tested Videos Newspapers Magazines Personal reading

material “Real world” language

instead of “textbook” language

Listening Comprehension

Reading Writing

Qualification Requirements The qualification requirements for a

student to be considered a candidate for English as a Second Language student is determined by the teachers use of the home language survey. The students can then become eligible based on the information from that survey.

The survey helps determine the level of English proficiency of the student. If a student scores at DPI (Department of Public Instruction) levels 1-5, the student qualifies for ESL/Bilingual education services. If a student scores a DPI level 6, the student is determined fully English proficient and does not qualify for ESL/Bilingual education services.

After families have been given information about ESL/Bilingual education, they have the right to either accept or decline these services. Families also have the right to change their decision at any time during the student's career in school

All states have a statute that requires schools to design a program for ESL and prepare a formal plan of services to meet the needs of bilingual students. The statute should also require that the program is staffed by a licensed bilingual teacher.