Bilingual Education: A Multilingual Society Makes America Stronger

Throughout the history of the United States, educational legislation has been fought along the lines of social and political reform. One of these battles culminated June 6, 1998 when the proponents of bilingual education and the opponents (English only) clashed over California's Proposition 227, which called for an end to all bilingual education in the public school system. The proposition passed (approval of 61%) and required that all classes be taught in the native language, English, regardless of the mastery of the language by non-native speakers. This movement was especially offensive to opponents because it appeared to be aimed specifically against Hispanics, and bordered on the verge of outright discrimination. The proponents of this legislation failed to account for the negative impact that such a policy would have on the students already in the bilingual education curriculum. They chose to ignore the fact that according to the census, “over 11 million elementary and secondary students of immigrant families were enrolled in public schools as of 2005." These students accounted for over 20% of the population of the public school system. How can one reconcile so many students being left behind at such an opportune time in their lives? Like many decisions made hastily, one has to think that no one took into account the negative effects (both social and psychological) that this legislation would have on children. I am the product of bilingual education, and have become a testament to its effectiveness. Growing up in a strictly Spanish-speaking home, the incorporation of Spanish into my curriculum enabled me to successfully participate and contribute to my education. June 6, 2008 marked the 10 year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 227 in California. Up until now things have not changed here in the Golden State in terms of legislation towards the repeal of Prop. 227. Other states have followed suit to end bilingual education such as Arizona and Massachusetts, on the other hand, Colorado and Oregon have eliminated initiatives to end bilingual education. As a result of the passage of Proposition 227 (which marked the end of bilingual education), it has become increasingly more difficult for non-native English speaking students to adjust to the American school system. Therefore, this proposition should be repealed in California in order to allow for bilingual education programs to be reinstated, which would prompt other states in the nation to follow suit; this would grant all students equal access to education and the ability to understand English through their native languages.

We are now in the 21st century and the debate over bilingual education remains a contested topic involving students, teachers, parents, administrators, policy makers, and advocates both for and against bilingual education. The fundamental question is whether or not bilingual education helps or hinders non-English speaking students ( a great percentage belonging to immigrant families) throughout their academic careers. This question is pertinent everywhere, from Los Angeles, through the Mid-West and all the way to New York. According to the argument given by James Crawford, Proposition 227 has failed the children it initially intended to help. He states that this legislation has had a 92% failure rate and over 1 1/2 million students have been negatively affected by this. Based on this data and my own experience, I have come to the conclusion that a bilingual education assists students in becoming more confident and secure in their school work, as well as their everyday lives. Adolescents need to understand that they are not being ignored, and that the educational system can work for them. The aim of this of blog is to encourage the support of bilingual education and thus cultivate a multilingual and multicultural United States. Numerous policies encouraging bilingual education result in the improvement of language acquisition and development, which in turn leads to the gradual mastery of the English language. In the long run, these efforts will lead to the success of the student and make him or her more likely to socially and culturally integrate within American society. An important aspect that is often overlooked is that the education these children receive today will inevitably affect them for the rest of their lives. Education is an investment in both the child’s and the nations future. By incorporating one's language, we provide young men and women yet another tool to learn English. They are able to develop and cultivate both languages, thereby allowing them to become linguistically and culturally assimilated. America should embrace its diversity and support the growing population’s desire to learn more than one language. After all, don't many argue that America is a cultural melting pot?

California, and America as a whole, ought to foster an education that cultivates and emphasizes a child’s potential ( see below), not their shortcomings. As a society we must not punish an adolescent for not learning English prior to attending our institutions. Rather, we should nurture and develop their already existing skills. Although, the child may initially lack the English skills necessary to start school, that is no reason to leave them behind. There are multiple factors that may not allow these children to succeed, many of which come from the inability to access transitional bilingual education programs. Through bilingual education, communities across the nation can work together to foster relationships with the parents that can improve the students’ scholastic achievement as well as their everyday lives. The fact is that the American school system, which is comprised of smaller school boards like LAUSD, has a moral responsibility to prepare the student to succeed in life. Whether this leads to a four-year university, or the American work force, it must be the objective of the government to help students acquire the skills necessary to survive in today’s economy. In order to thrive in society today, the curriculum must be intensive; supplemented by programs that can assist children with their individual needs and strengthen the skills that they have already learned. Law makers, as well as administrators, can not lose sight of the fact that these programs must emphasize the mastery of the English language; they must simultaneously develop the students’ communication and decision-making skills that are necessary to navigate through life. Ultimately, all of the tools available must be employed to teach children the English language. We have been entrusted to teach new generations of our youth not only the gift of tolerance, but also that America is a place where everyone is welcomed regardless of race, sexual preference, gender, religious persuasion, and yes, even those with languages other than English.