Teacher Discussion Forums

[cmq98]

I am currently reading Forbidden Language and learned of the increasing concern of gaps on high school exit exams in the United States among English language learners and non-English language learners. Based on those facts, some say to abandon the crutch of students' native language and instruct in English only. My question is, wouldn't it help test scores at the high school level - especially for students just entering a school from another country - for students to be instructed in both languages especially in a math class where they will learn skills they may be tested on in a year or two to graduate high school?

[Sally Olsen]

Sure.

[nthom814]

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 if students know the material (in their L1,) it does not count on testing if they do not know the necessary information in English.

On the other hand, if an EL student lacks academic language, they may not be successful in an English only classroom. If they are pulled from subject matter classes to concentrate on English, they are falling further behind in subjects like math, science and social studies, which will also hurt their test scores.