Types of Bilingual and ESL Programs in the U.S.

Bilingual and ESL Programs in the United States?

For those who don’t work in the field of English Language Learner Education, the terms “bilingual” and “ESL” can seem confusing. Many believe that they are one in the same. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had to clarify to teachers and administrators alike that these are two separate services. Some states and districts provide one and not the other. The requirements for qualification may vary depending on the language of the child and the supply of teachers available. Let’s dive into the world of Bilingual and ESL instruction and discuss the different types of programs available in the United States.

Simply stated, bilingual services involve the instruction of academic content such as reading, math, science, social studies, etc. using the child’s primary language. ESL or English as a Second Language focuses on the instruction of the English language. Although this may be done through a content subject, the goal is to develop English proficiency. In the United States, there are many different types of programs being used. The chart below highlights some of the most popular options in existence.

Types of ESL Programs
Term	Usage
English Language Services	English services are designed to improve English reading, writing, speaking and listening for English Language Learners. These services are in addition to the regular classroom schedule. For example, a student might receive an additional 90-120 minutes of English instruction per week taught by a basic skills teacher.
English as a Second Language	In this model, students receive daily instruction in the English language. This usually requires that the teacher be trained and certified in English Language instruction. Services are designed to improve English reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Submersion	Sink or swim approach to English instruction. Students are placed in the same classes as native speakers and required to learn as much as they can with no additional considerations or supports.

Types of Bilingual Programs
Term	Usage
Bilingual Tutorial	In this type of bilingual service, a certified bilingual teacher is assigned to the student for one period of content area tutoring in the native language. The content area must be one that is required for graduation. The student also receives daily ESL instruction.
Bilingual Resource	In this type of bilingual service, a certified bilingual teacher is assigned to the student for one period of content area tutoring in the native language. The difference from “Bilingual Tutorial” is that the subject must be identified and specific assignments must be provided. The student also receives daily ESL instruction.
Bilingual Part-Time	The bilingual service is provided by a certified bilingual teacher and consists of one daily period of content area instruction in the native language. The content area must be either reading or mathematics. The student also receives daily ESL instruction.
Bilingual Full-Time	In this model, students are provided instruction of all academic content areas in the native language. A certified bilingual teacher is required here. Students also receive daily ESL instruction.
Sheltered Instruction	In this model, students receive their daily instruction from a teacher who has completed the requirements and training for Sheltered instruction certification. All students also receive daily English language instruction. If the classroom teacher possesses ESL certification, they may provide these services. If they don’t, students will receive daily ESL instruction from a certified ESL teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Language Learners, Part 1

Types of Bilingual Programs

Term

Usage

Two-Way or Dual Language

Bilingual program where English Language Learners receive daily content instruction in both the native language and English and native speakers of English receive daily instruction in both English and a foreign language.

For example, let’s take a classroom consisting of 20 students. 10 of those students are Spanish-Speakers and 10 are English-Speakers. Each group is taught in both English and Spanish on a daily basis.

To be effective program must:

1. Allow for development of BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) and CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)

2. Optimally input both languages.

3. Focus on academic subjects.

4. Integrate the curriculum.

5. Allow for monolingual instruction for sustained periods.

6. Have home-school collaboration

7. Empower students as active learners.

8. Make sufficient use of the minority language.

It is up to the individual school district to determine which types of programs they will implement. This is often done by taking a number of factors into account. These factors include: