Teacher Discussion Forums

I don't belive that English-only is beneficial for students who are just beginning to learn the language. From what I have read/heard, English-only has its place with direct instruction of the English language (teaching grammar etc.). However, I still think that a student's native language should be...

After reading and hearing about the research on bilingual education and English-only education, my initial view of the two has changed. Although bilingual education has proven beneficial, English-only education also has its place. I believe that instead of spending more time and money on researching...

I understand that it is extremely difficult for the ELL subgroup to make AYP, and that is one of the reasons why students who are out of the program can be included in the subgroup. However, how can you accurately measure the performance and growth of students who are LEP, and still in an ELL progra...

Bill # H.R. 2228 allows states to include students formerly identified as limited English proficient in the limited English proficient subgroup for three years after they are no longer identified as such. This is mean to help this subgroup make adequate yearly progress toward state academic performa...

In addition to translating a test, there may also be content that needs to be modified. There may be material in a test that students who have just arrived from another country may not have been exposed to. There probably are not enough bilingual tests and testers, just as there are too few trained ...

I think that asking how long a student should be in an ESL classroom before being referred to the Child Study Team is a good question. However, students are going to acquire the language at different rates; many may take several years before they have the language required to take the tests. If ther...

In some EL programs students are placed in a class based on their English fluency. However, does this mean that a second grader and a fourth or fifth grader could possibly be in the same class because they speak and understand about the same amount of English? Many EL students are with one teacher f...

In Arizona, Proposition 203 placed severe restrictions on bilingual education. Proposition 203 was thought by some to be the answer to educating ELLs and have them acquire the English language faster in order for them to succeed in core subjects. Unfortunately, after Prop 203 teacher preparation for...

I think that there should be national standards for all programs for ELLs (whether they are English only or BE). Each bilingual educator should be provided with a curriculum to follow. From my experience, many districts do not have curriculum for their ESL or bilingual teachers. Too many educators o...

I am currently reading Forbidden Language and it is discussing Proposition 203 in Arizona, which placed severe restrictions on bilingual education. However, I continue to see the benefits of bilingual education for ELLs, especially when they are limited English proficient students that are acquiring...

I have experienced EL students being looked down upon by other students. I am a Spanish teacher for students pre-k through 8th grade so I have students discuss and study a lot of different cultures. We also discuss all of the benefits of speaking more than one language, as a lot of them hear, "Why d...

As a Spanish teacher of students pre-k through 8th grade I have many native Spanish speakers who are so self conscious that they do not participate in class. It is almost like they are pretending that they do not know Spanish. Several students sit alone at lunch and do not socialize with any of thei...

Whether a bilingual education would improve test scores is a difficult topic because everyone has a different opinion on which class setting (EO or BE) is more beneficial for EL students. Some argue that having to teach in both English and their L1 does not allow them to cover as much material. Even...