This study suggests the idea of bilingual education as an integral part of the process of learning for legal immigrant children. It uses as its premise the idea that learning is fundamental to the moral, social and economic growth of America- and language is fundamental to that learning. It argues that immigrant children who are not provided necessary bilingual education are not being adequately socialized.
The unit is based around necessary skills for holding a formal debate. Segment One examines some of the policies and practices of American immigration and the issue of providing bilingual programs as a form of equality in Education aimed at strengthening students' skills of critical thinking and oral communication. Segment Two analyzes the bilingual issue and reinforces skills in research and writing. Segment Three culminates ideas through the use of skills for a formal debate. A Sample lesson idea appears at the end of the study.
Begin the study by surveying the children on their positions about bilingual programs in the public schools. Chances are many of them have encountered students whose native language is one other than English. Be mindful that the idea is to help the children acquire a respect for differences among themselves.
Next you would want to introduce the study by discussing its overview and engaging the children in a free thinking activity about a possible future based on their knowledge of today's events and feelings toward immigrant minorities.
At this point, it would be a good idea to involve children in a vocabulary search for definitions of the words listed in the section entitled "Look it up, dear!" The user may decide to employ a competitive approach among small groups for this activity.
Segment I
After having done this and the user is fairly confident that the students have a clear understanding of the study idea, have each student read the introduction to the unit. Follow with a whole group discussion of the points outlined in the introduction. (see Discussion 1.0)
Next you will want to hold a general reading and discussion of the "Immigration Timeline" (precedes the Bibliography.) The emphasis here is placed on the link between practices of immigration that signaled the feelings about ethnic groups who came to this country and the debate over providing bilingual programs for immigrant children, throughout the country's history. (see Discussion 1.1)
Here is a good opportunity to have students write a short essay after making the links between accepting certain ethnic groups and educating those same groups. Let this essay serve as a prewriting assignment.
So that students are clear on the idea, outline "The Issue" through oral discussion and note taking.
(see 1.2)
Segment II
Move now to "Educational Equity." Read aloud as a whole group. Then have the students form small groups to formulate their positions on whether there is educational equity in this country for immigrant minorities. Have students make notes on their positions offering support for their arguments. (see Discussion 2.0)
Next you'll want to further discuss the idea of education by reading "Educating America." As an independent effort, you may assign some library time for students to find additional information about some of the ethnic groups who have struggled for equal rights in education.
Read "A model of success" ask students to employ some creative thinking skills to design a model program that replaces the current bilingual program methods used here in the U.S. Refer to notes made in Segment I "The Issue" and use in conjunction with the program model described in this segment. Students may work independently or with other students in a small group.
Segment III
Read and discuss the section on "Language as a symbol of Culture." Have students choose one of the "Ideas for Independent thinking" and work through it either as a classroom assignment or as homework. Share finished products with classmates before the study is completed. Use your discretion about sharing time.
You are ready to debate the issue of supporting bilingual education for immigrant children. Familiarize yourself with the Debate process (the information is readily available at your school library.) Locate the articles listed for "Current Events" study and combine them with the contents of this study to help students support their arguments.
Now return to the informal essay written in the beginning of the study and rewrite it to include new information and any change in students' position as a result of this study.
Lastly have students write a future scenario about America with a number of different ethnic immigrants, who speak different languages. It is the writer's choice whether the society is a workable one or a divided society.