English Language Acquisition Education for English language learners in public schools remains a controversial topic in the U.S. Some people believe that children and adolescents who are English language learners should be immersed in English, receiving all content-area instruction in English only.
Others, however, remain proponents of bilingual education, in which content-area instruction is delivered to ELL students in their native languages, and instruction in English language and grammar is delivered separately. Still others call for "sheltered" immersion programs in which a gradual transition from bilingual education to English-only instruction is implemented. In this Discussion, you will consider your own stance on this controversy. Reflect on the following:
•What are the implications of English-only instruction for the cultural identities of students for whom English is not a native language?
For example, does it possibly marginalize these students' home cultures and languages? Or is immediate and full immersion in English simply essential to living in the U.S.?
•What are the implications of segregating ELLs for content-area instruction as called for in the bilingual model?
Are ELLs missing out on the chance to assimilate and socialize with English-speaking counterparts? Or is the guaranteed comprehension of content-area instruction more important than socialization?
•Based on the Learning Resources and your thoughts on the questions above, what is your opinion on how English language learners should be taught in U.S. schools?
Do you support bilingual education, English-only instruction, or another method? Why? With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.
Post an explanation of your thoughts on how English language learners should be educated in U.S. schools.
Explain which method you favor and why, taking into account both educational issues and issues related to cultural identity and social development of children and adolescents. Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your response.