Puerto Rico Language Policy Timeline

All sugjects in English in the public schools

Jan 1, 1898

The Beginig of the changing policies. The public education was in English.

English instruction only in secondary schools

Dec 7, 1900

Comisioner Brumbaugh, President Mckinley's Commisioner of Education on the island were the creators of this policy.

Official Language Act

Oct 24, 1903

Granted official status to both English and Spanish as a medium of istruction.

English instruction in all grades

Period: Oct 25, 1903 to Oct 25, 1916

The Language Act was revoked and with it the Spanish and English instruction. The English as a the medium of instruction in all grades was re-stablish

Spanish as a medium of instruction in the first four grades

Oct 25, 1917

There was a nationalistic movement for the vernacular tongue, Spanish.

Spanish instruction from the first eight grades

Oct 25, 1930

Jose Padin, Commicion of Education introduce this policy.

English the language of instruction in all grades

Oct 25, 1934

Blanton S. Winthrop, Governor made this policy.

English language of instruction in the secondary schools

Oct 25, 1941

This policy was a modification of Winthrop's policy in 1934.

Spanish as the language of instruction in all grades

Oct 25, 1948

Governor Luis Munos Marin, policy indicate that the language of instruction was Spanish in all grades. English was taught as a second language just one period per day.

Spanish only

Oct 25, 1991

Created by the Popular Party as an example of a political issues.

English and Spanish Official Languages

Oct 25, 1993

A Pro Statehood Party language policy wich established English and Spanish as official Languages in the island.