What is the difference between English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and bilingual education? What is the goal of each?
The goal of ESL programs is monolingualism. The aim is to develop ESL students’ English language proficiency. Although the students’ native language may be used in the classroom, the students’ native language is not developed in ESL programs.
Bilingual education is much different than ESL. The aim of bilingual education is to develop the students’ native language as well as theEnglish language. The goals of bilingual education are also biliteracy and biculturalism.
In ESL classrooms, English is used for instruction and learning, so that students become competent in the English language. In bilingual classrooms, both languages are used for instruction and learning, so that students become equally proficient in both languages, producing balanced bilinguals.
There are a variety of strong forms of bilingual education. One is immersion bilingual education which consists of a bilingual classroom with the initial emphasis on the second language. Students are immersed in the second language and their native language is added in later grades. The two-waydual language programs or dual language programs is where the students’ first and second language are used for instruction and learning throughout the school day from the beginning of their education.
What features do dual language programs share?
A language other than English is used for at least half of instruction for up to six years.
Only one language is used during one block of instruction.The language is learned mainly though content instruction. For example, science may be taught only in Spanish.
Both English and non-English speakers learn in the same classroom.
Each language is used for instruction and learning half of the time in order to achieve a language balance.
What are the goals of bilingual education?
Proficiency in both languages is achieved in understanding, speaking, reading and writing both languages.
Academic achievement in subjects such as math, social studies, and science.
Enhance cultural awareness and positive attitudes toward various cultures and people of different cultures.
To benefit communities from having bilingual citizens through employment as well as socially and culturally.
Practices in bilingual schools:
Both languages are given equal status.
School displays, signs, announcements, and activities use both languages in a balanced way.
All or most staff members are bilingual.Some teachers may be English speaking only if they co-teach with a bilingual teacher.
The length of bilingual programs may vary.The longer the bilingual education program, the more effective in establishing competency in both languages.
Heritage Language Bilingual Education
Heritage language education refers to bilingual programs that develop students’ proficiency in their heritage language. These programs usually do not result in high levels of competency in the heritage language. Heritage programs are effective if students use the heritage language as a means of instruction in order to become a balanced bilingual. An example of heritage language education in the United States is Native American students learning their native language. The goal of heritage language bilingual education is to protect and preserve the language while developing the majority language (English). Dual language bilingual education differs from heritage language education in that the aim of dual language bilingual education is to produce a balance of both languages. The goal of heritage language education is usually to preserve the heritage language and culture.
Day Schools
Day schools are usually private schools or establishments. Some day schools are religious schools where students are provided some instruction in their native or heritage language (Jewish students learning Hebrew or Yiddish). Other day schools provide a class each day for the students to learn their heritage language.