Puerto Rico Language Policy

Spanish American War

Apr 25, 1898

Puerto Rico become a U.S. possesion.

Foraker Act

May 1, 1900

Established a civil goverment and create the Department of Public Instruction. Dr. John Eaton and Dr. Victor Clark establish that Puerto Rican teachers should learn English to obtain better opportunities on being hired.

Education Policy

Oct 25, 1902

The education policy proposed that Spanish will kept and English was going to be learned as a special course.

The use of English

Oct 25, 1904

The use of English increased with the vision of making it the official language in Puerto Rican school.

Spanish Language is suppressed 1905-1913

Oct 25, 1913

Spanish Language is suppressed and the English language is used as the medium of instruction in all grades of the School System.

Jones Act

Mar 2, 1917

U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

Dr. Jose Padin

Oct 25, 1930

This was a very difficult time for Puerto Rico from the point of view of economic, social and educational. The Commissioner Dr. Jose Padin was the first to expose that English is a foreign language from the educational point of view and he gave emphasis to English as a second language with many enrichment programs. As a result Spanish was adopted as the language of instruction in the teaching of geography, history and mathematics and leaving the English as a special subject from 1st grade.

Commissioner Jose M. Gallardo

Oct 25, 1936

At that time the Commissioner Jose M. Gallardo was named Commissioner of Education. The President of the United States complained that Puerto Ricans had not learned English and wished that all instruction was in English so that the next generation would speak English. The Commissioner of Education tried to implement a bilingual program, but many public protests were made and it was not permitted.

High School

Dec 31, 1948

Until this date all high school subjects were taught in English.

Luis Munoz Marin

Jan 1, 1949

Governor Luis Munoz Marin designate Mariano Villaronga as Comissioner of Education. He instituted Spanish as medium of educator with English as a second language.

Bilingual Education Act

Oct 25, 1968

In the United States was signed the Bilingual Education Act or Title VII by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Padre Rufo y Papa Juan XXIII

Oct 25, 1972

In the schools "Padre Rufo y Papa Juan XXIII" bilingual projects were implanted by the Popular Party government.

Rafael Hernandez Colon

Jan 2, 1991

Governor Rafael Hernandez Colon declared Spanish to be the island is sole official language.

Pedro Rosello

Jan 2, 1993

Governor Pedro Rosello declared both English and Spanish the official language of Puerto Rico.

President Bush

Jan 8, 2002

The President Bush create No Child Left Behind Act.

Luis Fortuno

Jun 10, 2012

Governor Luis Fortuno propose a new plan for bilingual education in 31 schools.