EDUCATION »» SPECIAL NEEDS »» BILINGUALISM »» Mar 11, 2024

There are nearly 350 languages spoken in America. For sixty million Americans, or 20% of all American households, English is not their primary language. In 2016, twelve million American children, or about 22% of all our kids spoke a language other than English at home. Some critics view bilingual education as an impediment, rather than a means, to acquire proficiency in English and to assimilate into our culture. Studies show both native English speakers and English learners in dual language immersion programs benefit from bilingual education and experience substantial gains in language, literacy and math. While these programs remain in high-demand across the country, they tend to cluster in affluent communities that provide limited access to low-income students. Some fear the use of Spanish in our country may someday threaten English. They point to Canada, divided over the use of French and English and say this may happen here. Supporters say bilingual skills are not threats to American society, but assets. They claim bilingual education programs were created to help second-language children learn English, obtain an education, and integrate into our society as contributing members. They also say bilingualism is an asset in our multicultural society and provides these children with more job opportunities in the economy of the future. They claim that without these programs, these children will lag behind their peers and may never fulfill their academic or personal potential. Pending Legislation: H.R.3607 - SYLLABLE Act of 2023 Sponsor: Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ) Status: House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chair: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) I oppose reforming current bilingual education policy, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA). I support authorizing the Department of Education to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, early childhood education programs, and technical assistance entities for the implementation of dual language immersion programs to serve low-income children, including English learners and minority children, in high-need schools from preschool through 5th grade. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» No issues were voted

I support authorizing the Department of Education to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, early childhood education programs, and technical assistance entities for the implementation of dual language immersion programs to serve low-income children, including English learners and minority children, in high-need schools from preschool through 5th grade. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Trustee Candidates

Representative If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider passing H.R.3607 - SYLLABLE Act of 2023. National Association for Bilingual Education If elected as a trustee, National Association for Bilingual Education will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to expand its efforts to work and advocate for bilingualism. NABE’s mission is to advocate for educational equity and excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society. The National Association for Bilingual Education is the only national professional organization devoted to representing bilingual/multilingual students and bilingual education professionals. NABE has a­ffiliates in 18 states, which collectively represent more than 5,000 members. These members include bilingual and English learner (EL) teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, administrators, professors, advocates, researchers, and policy makers.

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