¿Habla español?

There are so many different ways that the classroom is enriched by diversity. Some of these ways include culture, race and ethnicity, immigrants, and language minorities or a bilingual person. While all of these differences are important, I connect most with those who feel judged because of a language barrier. We need to break this barrier.

The United States is the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world, according to this website. I've always had a special place in my heart for the Spanish language. Before I was an education major, I majored in Spanish. I loved it! I loved being able to connect with people that I was normally not able to connect with because they spoke a different language.

But how do native Spanish speakers (and also all other non-English speakers) learn general education subjects if they can't understand what's being taught?

Is bilingual education beneficial?

First, let's answer the question of what bilingual education is. Bilingual education is when academics are taught in one language (such as English), as well as the student's native language (Spanish, for example). If that's what it takes for language minorities to learn, then why wouldn't we always use bilingual education?

Some may say that bilingual education is a bad idea. They say that if bilingual education is used in the United States, then our national identity will fade because not as many people will speak English as their dominant language. America takes pride in their identity and they usually frown upon those who speak English. But we as shouldn't make language minorities feel left out! We should embrace their dominant language help them learn and succeedwith whatever resources we have, such as bilingual education!

Don't let this happen in our schools!