How effective are bilingual education programs? Is there one model that is the most effective? Are there any cons to bilingual education? I will summarize the various studies that have been done on bilingual education and include only the most recent research.
The most current research on bilingual education suggests that bilingual education is superior to English-only models. Research has concluded that two-way dual language programs or the dual language model are the most effective programs for developing both languages. The two-way dual language program is where both languages are used for instruction and learning throughout the day. The goal of two-way dual language programs is for students to become equally proficient in both languages, producing balanced bilinguals. Success in two-way dual language programs takes a considerable amount of time. Students who begin a two-way bilingual program at the elementary level do not reach success until after approximately six years of bilingual education. At this point, bilingual students have caught up to their monolingual peers in their language skills. As their education continues, it is believed that bilingual students outperform their monolingual peers.
What about the least effective program? According to research, ESL pull-out programs resulted in the lowest student performance. This is a common program for ESL students in monolingual schools.
A common question that is asked is, "Is the students’ first language hindered while the student learns both languages?" Studies have concluded that bilingual students learn a second language without hindering their first language skills.
The success of any program needs to have certain qualities and characteristics in order to succeed like quality teachers, resources, and support from parents. Success also depends on students’ prior schooling, home life, confidence, self-esteem, and motivation to learn. Because there are numerous factors that influence the success of bilingual education, it is no guarantee of an effective education.
One factor that greatly effects the success of any type of education is the socio-economic status of the school district and community. Many ESL students come from impoverished homes and communities. Schools in impoverished areas may not receive as much funding and as many resources as schools in wealthy districts. Impoverished schools also face other issues as a result of poverty. Although bilingual programs may benefit these students academically, it cannot solve problems of poverty.
In regard to research, it is important to note that studies performed in an urban, middle-class community cannot be generalized to another context such as a low-socioeconomic community in either a rural or urban setting. Research is never perfect and there are many factors that can influence findings. Measuring language competence and academic achievement are challenging and may skew results and conclusions. Test scores also have their limitations.
Is bilingual education effective outside of school? For some students, the second language is rarely used outside of school. Just because students know their second language, does not necessarily mean they use it. Will a bilingual student who is competent in both Spanish and English use academic Spanish in the United States? If not, how will the student’s academic Spanish be maintained? Although research on bilingual education is never perfect, it is still valuable. Examining the conditions that contribute to the success of bilingual eduction and how we obtain these conditions is a key issue.