History of Bilingual Education in the United States

The Nationality Act of 1906

1906

This act required immigrants to speak English in order to become naturalized Americans. It stems from a rise of immigrants at the time which triggered a fear of new foreigners. This also led to a belief in a common language for compulsory schooling.

Resolution on the English Language

1919

The Americanization Department of the United States Bureau of Education recommended that all public and private schools, in every state, conduct instruction and learning in English. (By 1923, 34 states mandated that English must be the sole language of instruction.)

Meyer v. Nebraska

1923

WWI increased the push for monolingualism and an assimilationist policy, rising out of anti-German feelings. An interest in having students learn foreign languages also rapidly declined. However, the Supreme Court ruled that a state law prohibiting the teaching of foreign languages in private language classes was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment. This decision confirmed that proficiency in a foreign language was in no way harmful to a child.

Farrington v. Tokushige

1927

The Supreme Court ruled that attempts by Hawaiian education authorities to restrict after-school community-based Chinese and Japanese heritage language programs was unconstitutional. The court upheld the right of states to dictate language instruction in schools, but declared that states cannot prevent private language instruction outside of regular school instruction.

National Defense Education Act

1958

After the Russian launch of Sputnik in 1957, the U.S. placed an emphasis on learning languages other than English to compete internationally in areas of math and science.

Coral Way Elementary School

1963

Cuban exiles created the first modern dual language school in Dade County, Florida. Educated, middle-class Cubans set up this Spanish-English bilingual school, and it was supported by highly trained bilingual teachers, their declaration as victims of a harsh communist government, and their loyalty to the United States.

Civil Rights Act

1964

This Act prohibited discrimination based on color, race, or national origin. It also led to the establishment of the Office of Civil Rights. This Act symbolized a less negative attitude toward diverse ethnic groups, and an increased tolerance for ethnic languages at the federal level.

Bilingual Education Act

1967

Introduced by a Texas senator, the legislation was originally suggested to support native Spanish-speakers who were struggling in the school system. However, it made bilingual education programs part of federal educational policy, and authorized the use of federal funds for the education of all English language learners. It was officially enacted in 1968.

Lau v. Nichols

1974

This landmark Supreme Court case indicated that non-English-speaking students were not receiving equal educational opportunities when instructed in English, a language they did not understand. the verdict outlawed mainstreaming, or "submersion" programs for students not proficient in English. English as a Second language programs were introduced and the transitional use of home languages for English language learners was encouraged.