Politics and Policies Influencing America’s Education of Bilingual Students

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America’s educational system is home to an increasing number of English language learners. Some research indicates that by the year 2030, over 40% of elementary and secondary students served by schools in the United States will come from homes where a language other than English is spoken (Thomas & Collier, 2001). In an effort to accommodate these students, the United States has adopted policies at both the federal and state levels. Generally, the direction taken to meet the needs of English language learners has depended on the climate of the nation. During times of peace and prosperity, policies reflect the nation’s tolerance of other languages and cultures. However, during times of war or conflict, policies have reflected intolerance or fear of anything deemed “un-American.” World War I brought with it anti-German sentiment and, with it, an end to any instruction of or in other languages in the U.S. The 1923 case of Meyer versus Nebraska reflected this anti-German view of the world held by many in the United States and proved to be a definite set-back for bilingual education. Under a 1919 Nebraska law, no subjects were to be taught in any language other than English. Furthermore, students were forbidden from learning a foreign language until after the 8th grade (Kermit, 2005). Fear fueled the fire of foreigners, and, during a frightening time of war, America clung to the notion that all its citizens should speak only one language, English. The Civil Rights era fostered a rejuvenation of the movement toward bilingual education. Amid with the desire of the nation to eliminate discrimination, the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 came into being. Certainly this act was at least in part the result of a growing num... ... middle of paper ... ...after all. Political winds will change, but the need for bettering those relying on America’s schools for an education should take priority over such changes. References ACLU Foundation. (July 29. 1999). CA's Anti-Immigrant Proposition 187 is Voided, Ending State's Five-Year Battle with ACLU, Rights Groups. Retrieved October 18, 2010, from http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights/cas-anti-immigrant- proposition-187-voided-ending-states-five-year-battle-aclu-righ. Kermit, L. H. "Meyer v. Nebraska." The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States. 2005. Retrieved October 17, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O184-MeyervNebraska.html Thomas, W.P., & Collier, V. (1997). School effectiveness for language minority students. Washington, D.C.: National Center for Bilingual Education.

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