Bilingual Education Act 1968 With the combination of the rise in immigration and actions of the activists, congress finally decided to create Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1968. Also known as the Bilingual Education Act (BEA), Gloria Stewner-Manzaneres defines it as “the first federal recognition that LESA (Low English Speaking Ability) students have special educational needs” (1). Before, the development of the native language of the student was pushed to the side. As Herschel T. Manual states, “although the school has been right in its emphasis on English – which indeed must continue – it has not been right in its neglect of the native language of the Spanish-speaking child” (641). Children with another native
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The Bilingual Education Act did not define or give any guidelines on how to even start a bilingual education program. The school districts were left on their own without a base curriculum. This ambiguity led to a lack of qualified teachers. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights even states, “In all states, many of the teachers working in these programs have had less than six semester hours of training” (“Excluded Student” 12). Without guidelines, there is no level of accountability. The schools weren’t even required to provide this program, merely encouraged to through the grants. This act in the original form needed a comprehensive …show more content…
Even though one common language is important in the connection of this country, the other languages must not go without value. Even though there seems to be a popular “American” culture, the other cultures and values must not go without consideration. All deserve fair representation and opportunities within the public schools as well as in everyday life. As Herschel T. Manual states, “We must courageously attack the difficult problems of building a united community and adjusting education to the needs of children who come to us with differences which challenge our best efforts” (Manuel 639). Through bilingual education, students can feel value in their native language and culture while simultaneously learning English. They must not be unjustly cast aside into “sink or swim” classrooms, hoping that something will catch on. Each student deserves the respect of their language, abilities, and culture. Although it took and will take many years of court cases, riots, and laws to advance bilingual and education in general to a fair level, it is the responsibility of the government and community to assure that education continues to respect and offer opportunities to all
The Bilingual Education Act did not define or give any guidelines on how to even start a bilingual education program. The school districts were left on their own without a base curriculum. This ambiguity led to a lack of qualified teachers. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights even states, “In all states, many of the teachers working in these programs have had less than six semester hours of training” (“Excluded Student” 12). Without guidelines, there is no level of accountability. The schools weren’t even required to provide this program, merely encouraged to through the grants. This act in the original form needed a comprehensive …show more content…
Even though one common language is important in the connection of this country, the other languages must not go without value. Even though there seems to be a popular “American” culture, the other cultures and values must not go without consideration. All deserve fair representation and opportunities within the public schools as well as in everyday life. As Herschel T. Manual states, “We must courageously attack the difficult problems of building a united community and adjusting education to the needs of children who come to us with differences which challenge our best efforts” (Manuel 639). Through bilingual education, students can feel value in their native language and culture while simultaneously learning English. They must not be unjustly cast aside into “sink or swim” classrooms, hoping that something will catch on. Each student deserves the respect of their language, abilities, and culture. Although it took and will take many years of court cases, riots, and laws to advance bilingual and education in general to a fair level, it is the responsibility of the government and community to assure that education continues to respect and offer opportunities to all