Bilingual Instruction versus Monolingual English: Insights from Scholarly Investigations

In a move that sparked controversy, the Trump administration signed an executive order in March 2017, declaring English the nation's official language. However, the question of the most effective educational approach for English learners remains a topic of debate.

Bilingual education, an umbrella term for programs that teach academic content in more than one language, has been a subject of research for many years. Studies have consistently found that bilingual programs benefit English-learner classified students more than English-only programs, on average.

However, the quality and effectiveness of individual bilingual programs vary. Ilana Umansky, an associate professor at the University of Oregon, has stated that the effectiveness of these programs can be influenced by a variety of factors.

Research evidence supports bilingual education, but language policy decisions can be more political than pedagogical. In a 2020 study, Chris Montecillo Leider found that many states lack a core requirement for all teachers in bilingual education. This is a concern as more schools and states are investing in bilingual education programs.

Ensuring access for English learners is crucial, especially as more privileged families seek these programs. Districts should ensure that bilingual programs are located in neighborhoods where multilingual students can have access to them, including those with disabilities and newcomer immigrants.

States should also consider teacher-training requirements and expectations for all teachers working with English learners, and especially those in bilingual programs. Researchers suggest ways to promote bilingualism in schools with multiple languages, such as relying on community liaisons, stocking up on bilingual books, and allowing translanguaging in classrooms.

The U.S. Department of Justice released guidance for federal agencies on implementing the executive order in July, emphasizing English-language education and assimilation. Contrarily, the White House's federal budget proposal calls for the elimination of federal dollars dedicated to English learners.

When it comes to the European context, currently, there is no direct mention in the search results of specific German federal states offering special support for bilingual education for English learners. However, it is known that some states adjust their educational concepts to better support immigrant children, including language support and integration efforts. Detailed information on bilingual English programs by state is not provided in the results.

The benefits of bilingual education are numerous. Key benefits include better academic outcomes in various subjects, stronger academic outcomes in the home or heritage language, increased graduation rates, increased reclassification out of English-learner status, improved self-confidence, and improved family-engagement opportunities.

As the debate over bilingual education continues, it is clear that investing in programs that cater to the needs of English learners is essential for their academic success and integration into society.