The debate over bilingual education has been the most controversial aspect of the education of English learners for more than a half century and continues to be politically charged.
Bilingual education’s basic premise is that students should be taught
academic skills in their home language as they learn and acquire
skills in English. According to this view, instruction in the home
language strengthens the home language and creates a more solid foundation for cognitive and academic growth in English; moreover, promoting bilingual competence is valuable in its own right. Opponents of bilingual education argue that instruction in students’ home language both delays English learners’ entrance into the academic and social mainstream and depresses English achievement; bilingualism might be fine, but the school should focus on rapid and effective English learning. Others have also raised concerns about the resources required to fund bilingual programs and whether the benefits justify the costs