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As Americans are
generally only taught English as they are raised, people from other countries make an effort to
teach their native language at home, while teaching English at school. Other countries do this
due to the fact that English is a dominant language worldwide. Our job as a society is to jump on
board with this educational process, but ensure that non-English speakers are learning the
language correctly and fluently. Through programs like, bilingual education we are able to do so.
culture, and the current education system established in the United States.I propose an extended
investigation of this topic because as a bilingual American, I can relate to the struggles the
students may face while in the process of learning two languages. I understand the importance of
Bilingual education first began in 1839 in Ohio where the law allowed for German-
English instruction only at the request of the parents and continued with Louisiana in 1847, New
Mexico in 1879, and so on. In 1906, Congress passed the first law requiring all immigrants
seeking naturalization to learn and know English. The federal government made its big move in
1968 requiring all schools to enact a Bilingual Education program. Funding was provided to by
the federal government for all schools who participated in the program. In 1998, California
banned bilingual education and enacted on proposition 227 where students were taught English
as quickly as possible in their English immersion programs. Only 16 years ago in 2001, the No
Child Left Behind Act was enacted, giving the option to parents to enroll their child in the
bilingual education program. The child would be enrolled in the program for 3 years, once
finished, the child would then move into regular English-only instruction regardless of the childs
ability to speak English. Bilingual education has come a long way from only being established in
one state to becoming an option for parents enrolling their child into school. The purpose of
bilingual education is to educate those students who have come from foreign countries and need
assistance in learning the English language. Often times, these students are taught in their native
language with some English references until they are able to be taught entirely in English.
In discussions of school and education, one controversial issue has been bilingual
education. On the one hand, those who are against bilingual education (teaching students in their
native language) argue that it is an ineffective way to teach our non-English speaking students
English and suggest a English immersion program (teaching students in English only). On the
other hand, those who are pro bilingual education contend that it is the best way to teach English
in a quick, efficient manner. Others even maintain the idea that some states benefit from one
program while others benefit from the other. However, in my own research I hope to demonstrate
When it comes to the topic of bilingual education, most of us will readily agree that it
sedates the English language learning process. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is
on the question of which is more effective and quick to pick up for the students. Whereas some
are convinced that bilingual education is the way to teach these students English, others maintain
that English immersion proves to be the victor in this battle . In my own research I hope to
demonstrate that English immersion is and proves to be the reign for the best English teaching
method.
Both points from either side can agree on the fact that knowing English is crucial
One way in which both parties disagree is in which program offers the quickest, most
effective way to deliver the English language to each student. One party feels that teaching their
students in their native language will result in a better understanding of the language while the
other party feels that teaching students in english only will bring about a better understanding. As
Ron Unz (2016) explains, During the first four years following the passage of Prop. 227, the
doubled, while those school districts that stubbornly retained their bilingual education programs
The topic of investigation is bilingual education. The exploration is within teaching the
education operate by first helping the students acquire fluency within their native language, then
slowly transition to practicing fluency within English. The exploration is of this program and of
others with a similar goal. Through researching further, I hope to eventually determine which
program is a greater success. In my own research, I hope to I hope to explore questions about the
programs and their effectivity on the students. My three core questions are, what is the students
reaction to the programs untraditional approach?, how quickly do the students pick up the
English language fluently? and what struggles do students face within each program?. The
ASU Library will be my primary resource in conducting research on this topic. I will also turn to
many different types of languages from around the world. In order to effectively teach our youth
the fundamentals of the English language, a program must be implemented throughout our
schools nationwide that will successfully do so. Whether that be through bilingual education or
english immersion, that is up for the public to decide. America is at an all time high with
individuals who are unable to speak English. Because of Americas diversity, most students
begin school or transfer over from a foreign country only knowing their native language, thus
needing to learn English as soon as possible. Without implementing some sort of program for
non-English speaking students, our nation runs the risk of illiterate citizens.