Experience in Choosing Bilingual, ESL or All English?

I have taught bilingual. I have taught ESL. I have taught "regular" classes. I've had a child in dual language, and I've had a child in "regular" classes. What is best for the child greatly depends on that child's abilities and needs. You mentioned that the child in question has learned to read in English but has low comprehension. Has the child also learned to read in Spanish? Your post does not say. Generally, research suggests that children do better in their second language if they have a solid foundation in their first language. However, if the child has not been taught to read and write in Spanish prior to now, then he would be far behind peers who have been reading and writing in Spanish for two years. If he already reads and writes some in both languages, then I would encourage you to look at a solid dual language class or at a bilingual program that focuses on BOTH languages. If he only reads in English, then ESL would be a better option. I would be glad to give you more details if you are interested. Best wishes!

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I teach school and esl. I would recommend staying with the bilingual program. The student will transition later on by 5th in most districts. if you do it too soon, it might hurt their academic career. good luck.

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They really need to learn, at a young age, in their native language before trying in another language. Learning to read in Spanish is actually easier than English (the rules are followed more, instead of changing all the time like in English!). You are right in thinking that his comprehension will rise in an ESL class, and that is more important than just being able to say the words he sees.

So as a former 1st grade teacher turned SAHM, I would say definitely put him in ESL. I have many friends that taught ESL and my MIL used to teach ESL Kinder and 1st and they would say the same thing. He needs to learn the basics in his native language (the language he thinks in) before really learning English.

**I noticed a couple of other mamas mentioned "dual language". As dual language is SUPPOSED to be taught, one day is English, one day is Spanish. The lessons aren't repeated (lessson 1 in English on Monday, lesson 1 in Spanish on Tuesday, lesson 2 in English on Wednesday). Instead, it is one shot: lesson 1 in English on Monday, lesson 2 in Spanish on Tuesday, lesson 3 in English on Wedneday...etc.

In my district, Dual Language was reserved for the VERY high functioning children in both languages. All the English speaking children in the class qualified as "gifted" (the tests for giftedness in Spanish speakers is different) and the Spanish speakers had to be top of their class from all over the district. It is not something that is offered to all Spanish or English speakers. Qualification is high and strict. That may not be an option, especially if his comprehension is low. He would need to be very high functioning to do well in a true dual language program (I saw it modeled at my school, based on the true program, not just "both languages").

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Hi, K.,
I would try the bilingual class and see how his languages improve. I used to teach high school Spanish. Kids are really better at learning languages than teenagers or adults. I think it would be the best way for him to some day be great at both languages. Best wishes.

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In 2nd grade, they start transitioning kids in math, science, and social studies. That means that the content is taught in English and Spanish is used as a support. Also, most bilingual classes have differentiated instruction in language arts and your child is probably in a group that has other kids with the same level and needs. You should tell the teacher or principal at the school about your thoughts and ask to see both bilingual and English only classes. This will help you make a better choice.

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Not sure where he would be living, but you could possibly look into a dual language program. I don't know a whole lot about the program. I know that they are taught in both Spanish and English. This would be a good alternative. He can still learn English and be able to communicate with is family. I know both Bryan and College Station offer this program.

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I suggest REALLY looking into the district you are placing him in. Some districts are MUCH better at the bilingual model than others.

If it is a district that TRULY does the bilingual model than certainly go for it. I think this is a much better path. However, if the district does not integrate the English content and conversation they are doing a disservice when he is forced into all English classes in 5th/6th grade.

Do your research then decide.

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Hi there,
This is a big decision. I believe a lot of factors are involved. I'm currently a bilingual teacher in Leander ISD. The district is starting a new bilingual program(dual language) next year. It basicly teachs Spanish PRE-K to 5th grade, with English throughout the years. Research has showed great progress for these students. As a teacher I can't wait to start it. Other programs just focus on how quickly they can get them out of bilingual education, and not on having the students be capable in both languages. I hope this helps some. If you have any questions let me know.

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Hi K.,
I would suggest your little one make the transition as soon as possible so his skills can be enhanced.- I would also suggest that the family members in the household take advantage of all the English speaking/ reading etc courses that are free and plentiful. It is my thought that anyone who wants to live in this great country should learn the language........but I would also say that they should never forget the language of their country.
blessings

I am familiar with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I don't know how things differ by school district. In Cy-Fair, kids whose first language is not English are automatically in ESL classes. By second grade, the teachers primarily speak English, but may use Spanish to clarify, and the kids are allowed to speak Spanish to each other. In third grade, they call it something different (SEI) but it's basically ESL. Teachers really want the parents involved, and will make every effort to accommodate language differences. All communications from school are in English and Spanish. Spanish-speaking interpreters will be provided for parent-teacher conferences. There are enough Spanish-speaking people around that teachers could also find someone to help them translate phone calls, too.

Hi K., I had a grand daughter that we raised and she was in bilingual classes til the fourth grade when we got her. I put her in regular classes because i knew she needed more help with English than they offered.(she still has problems comprehending written English) I felt all they were doing were teaching only in Spanish and not providing enough work for them in English for them to comprehend all they needed to. I think the best thing would be to put him in all english classes now, so he doesn't have a hard time later. He won't forget his native language and i would hope he would be around some spanish speaking family so he will become fluent in both as he grows. Good luck with getting him the best education for him.

I would stick to Bilingual. When kids go through the complete bilingual curriculum they are completely bilingual and biliterate. If you put him in English and he is not proficient in English he will lose some of the content of the instruction. The school district will test him and see his level of both Spanish and English. If you deny him his bilingual education and he fails, the district is not obligated to offer him tutoring. Bilingual education is great! Don't sacrifice conversational English for academic content! The English will come, he mustn't miss out on the his academic growth. Sorry if I sound to bossy! I am just so passionate about Dual Language instruction.

Would it be a good idea for the young man's parents to learn English as a second language? If, as you say, he will live in the US, won't his parents also be living in the US. And, one other thing, learning English would not mean he couldn't continue to communicate with family members, friends and others in Spanish. It seems to me it would be to his advantage to grow up bilingual.

If he is going to be going to school in the US, he needs as much English as early as possible for him to be successful and stay current in school. Hopefully his parents can learn along with him enough to help with school work. If Spanish is spoken at home, he will continue to speak it with the family. If he is going back to a Spanish speaking country for school later, then you could put him in Spanish or bilingual class, but English is very important to an education here.