Language Diversity

2.1 What has been the government's response to language diversity in our nation's schools?

• 1968 - Congress passed the Bilingual Education Act, which provided funds for educating non-native English learners through bilingual approaches intending to maintain the first language while learning English.
• 1998 - California passed Proposition 227 to replace bilingual education programs with one year immersion programs. Students were then transferred into mainstream English-only classrooms.
• 29 states have also passed legislation making English the official state language.
• Under public pressure, the government has changed gears, advocating for schools to teach English with little emphasis on preserving minority languages. The federal Office of Bilingual Education has become the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). The government's goal is to teach ELs English as fast as possible.

2.2 Bilingual education and other approaches that primarily focus on teaching English differ radically in both philosophies and practices. What are the primary differences in these two major approaches schools use in working with English language learners?

• Bilingual Maintenance and Transition Programs
• Most emphasis is on sustaining the first language while teaching English.
• Instruction starts mostly in their primary language and English is introduced more in each subsequent grade level.
• Immersion and English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs
• No efforts to maintain native languages.
• Some programs focus on classroom-based ESL and others on pullout ESL instruction. Both attempt to adapt instruction to learner needs.
• Immersion programs place students into English-only classes with minimal adjustments to curriculum or instruction.

2.3 What are the major ways that teachers can adapt their instruction to meet the needs of students with varying language backgrounds?

• Create a supportive learning environment by taking personal interest in all students.
• Involve everyone in learning activities.
• Strive to personalize the content you're teaching.
• Mix whole-class instruction with group work and cooperative learning.
• Use question-and-answer sessions to involve everyone.
• Use concrete examples to provide reference points for new ideas and vocabulary.
• Continually check for understanding (questions, assignments, quizzes).
• Avoid situations that draw attention to students' lack of English skills.