Free Essays on Bilingual Education

Bilingual education, a preferred strategy for the last 20 years, teaches academic subjects to immigrant children in their native languages (most often Spanish), while slowly and at the same time adding English instruction. In theory, the children don't fall behind in other subjects while they are learning English. When they are fluent in English, they can then "transition" to English instruction in academic subjects at the grade level of other children their same age. Further, the theory goes, teaching immigrants in their native language puts importance on their family and community culture and reinforces their sense of self-worth, therefore making their academic success more likely (Duignan 5). Yet in recent years, bilingual education has created as much controversy as any other education issue. Most educators and parents agree that the main goals in educating students with a native language other than English are mastery of English and mastery of content in academic areas. But a heated academic and political battle is being fought over how is the best way to reach those goals and how important it is to preserve the students’ original language in the process (Adely 2). Though a fair amount of opposition exists in relation to these programs, the general trend is of support of the economic and academic advantages of the bilingual program. When schools provide children quality education in their primary language, they give them two things: knowledge and literacy. The knowledge that children get through their first language helps make the English they hear and read more comprehensible. Literacy developed in the primary language transfers to the second language. The reason is simple: Because we learn to read by reading- that is, by understanding what is on the page (Duignan 10)- it is easier to learn to read in a language we understand. Once we can read in one language, we can read in general. The best bilingual educatio... Free Essays on Bilingual Education Free Essays on Bilingual Education Bilingual education in the United States is growing rapidly. The growing number of immigrants and the need for children to adapt to American culture while keeping their culture as well is very important. There has been many break throughs and different views on which method is the best way to teach immigrants and children. One goal, which is to take place at the elementary level, is bilingual education. Bilingual education is the sanctioned use of more than one language in schools throughout the United States. In 1968 the bilingual Education Act was passed to mandate schools to provide bilingual education programs. The act states individuals who have a limited proficiency of English must be taught to speak the language. These people can be referred to in three ways. A) Any individual who were not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English. B) Individuals who come from environments where language other than English is dominate and C) individuals who are American Indian, Alaskan natives and who come from areas where language other than English has had a significant impact on their level of English proficiency, and who by reason by reason have difficulty speaking, reading, writing or understanding the English language. To deny such individuals the opportunit y to learn and successfully speak the English language in a classroom, denies a person the chance to communicate within society and therefore is a violation of this act. In the article New Trends in Language Education for Hispanic Students by Wendy Schwartz, she writes about bilingual strategies for the youth. Native Spanish speaking students need to stay in the bilingual program until they have a foundation that enables them to master other academic subjects. Students learning a second language require constant school assistance and effort. The schools must also convey high expectations that the student will become literate in E... Free Essays on Bilingual Education Bilingual education, a preferred strategy for the last 20 years, teaches academic subjects to immigrant children in their native languages (most often Spanish), while slowly and at the same time adding English instruction. In theory, the children don't fall behind in other subjects while they are learning English. When they are fluent in English, they can then "transition" to English instruction in academic subjects at the grade level of other children their same age. Further, the theory goes, teaching immigrants in their native language puts importance on their family and community culture and reinforces their sense of self-worth, therefore making their academic success more likely (Duignan 5). Yet in recent years, bilingual education has created as much controversy as any other education issue. Most educators and parents agree that the main goals in educating students with a native language other than English are mastery of English and mastery of content in academic areas. But a heated academic and political battle is being fought over how is the best way to reach those goals and how important it is to preserve the students’ original language in the process (Adely 2). Though a fair amount of opposition exists in relation to these programs, the general trend is of support of the economic and academic advantages of the bilingual program. When schools provide children quality education in their primary language, they give them two things: knowledge and literacy. The knowledge that children get through their first language helps make the English they hear and read more comprehensible. Literacy developed in the primary language transfers to the second language. The reason is simple: Because we learn to read by reading- that is, by understanding what is on the page (Duignan 10)- it is easier to learn to read in a language we understand. Once we can read in one language, we can read in general. The best bilingual educatio...

Biography of Jose Maria Morelos, Mexican Revolutionary

Biography of Jose Maria Morelos, Mexican Revolutionary Josà © Marà ­a Morelos (September 30, 1765–December 22, 1815) was a Mexican priest and revolutionary. He was in overall military command of Mexico’s Independence movement in 1811-1815 before the Spanish captured, tried, and executed him. He is considered one of the greatest heroes of Mexico and countless things are named after him, including the Mexican state of Morelos and the city of Morelia. Fast Facts: Jose Maria Morelos Known For: Priest and rebel leader in the war for Mexican independenceAlso Known As: Josà © Marà ­a Teclo Morelos Pà ©rez y Pavà ³nBorn: September 30, 1765 in Valladolid,  Michoacn,  New SpainParents: Josà © Manuel Morelos y Robles, Juana Marà ­a Guadalupe Pà ©rez Pavà ³nDied: December 22, 1815  in San Cristà ³bal Ecatepec,  State of Mà ©xicoEducation: Colegio de San Nicols Obispo in Valladolid, Seminario Tridentino in Valladolid, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicols de HidalgoAwards and Honors:  The Mexican state of  Morelos  and city of  Morelia  are named after him, and his picture is on the 50-peso noteSpouse: Brà ­gida Almonte (mistress; Morelos was a priest and could not marry)Children: Juan Nepomuceno AlmonteNotable Quote: May slavery be banished forever together with the distinction between castes, all remaining equal, so Americans may only be distinguished by vice or virtue. Early Life Josà © Marà ­a was born into a lower-class family (his father was a carpenter) in the city of Valladolid in 1765. He worked as a farm hand, muleteer, and menial laborer until entering the seminary. The director of his school was none other than Miguel Hidalgo (leader of the Mexican revolution) who must have left an impression on the young Morelos. He was ordained as a priest in 1797 and served in the towns of Churumuco and Carcuaro. His career as a priest was solid and he enjoyed the favor of his superiors. Unlike Hidalgo, he showed no propensity for dangerous thoughts before the revolution of 1810. Morelos and Hidalgo On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo issued the famous Cry of Dolores to kick off Mexicos struggle for independence. Hidalgo was soon joined by others, including former royal officer Ignacio Allende, and together they raised an army of liberation. Morelos made his way to the rebel army and met with Hidalgo, who made him a lieutenant and ordered him to raise an army in the south and march on Acapulco. They went their separate ways after the meeting. Hidalgo would get close to Mexico City but was eventually defeated at the Battle of Calderon Bridge, captured shortly thereafter, and executed for treason. Morelos, however, was just getting started. Morelos Takes up Arms Ever the proper priest, Morelos coolly informed his superiors that he was joining the rebellion so that they could appoint a replacement. He began rounding up men and marching west. Unlike Hidalgo, Morelos preferred a small, well-armed, well-disciplined army that could move fast and strike without warning. He would often reject recruits who worked the fields, telling them instead to raise food to feed the army in the days to come. By November, he had an army of 2,000 men and on November 12, he occupied the medium-sized town of Aguacatillo, near Acapulco. Morelos in 1811-1812 Morelos was crushed to learn of the capture of Hidalgo and Allende in early 1811. Still, he fought on, laying an abortive siege to Acapulco before taking the city of Oaxaca in December of 1812. Meanwhile, politics had entered the struggle for Mexican independence in the form of a Congress presided over by Ignacio Là ³pez Rayà ³n, once a member of Hidalgos inner circle. Morelos was often in the field but always had representatives at the meetings of Congress, where they pushed on his behalf for formal independence, equal rights for all Mexicans, and continued privilege of the Catholic Church in Mexican affairs. The Spanish Strike Back By 1813, the Spanish had finally organized a response to the Mexican insurgents. Felix Calleja, the general who had defeated Hidalgo at the Battle of Calderon Bridge, was made Viceroy, and he pursued an aggressive strategy of quashing the rebellion. He divided and conquered the pockets of resistance in the north before turning his attention to Morelos and the south. Celleja moved into the south in force, capturing towns and executing prisoners. In December of 1813, the insurgents lost a key battle at Valladolid and were put on the defensive. Morelos’ Beliefs Morelos felt a true connection to his people, and they loved him for it. He fought to remove all class and race distinctions. He was one of the first true Mexican nationalists and he had a vision of a unified, free Mexico, whereas many of his contemporaries had closer allegiances to cities or regions. He differed from Hidalgo in many key ways: he did not allow churches or the homes of allies to be looted and actively sought support among Mexico’s wealthy Creole upper class. Ever the priest, he believed it was God’s will that Mexico should be a free, sovereign nation: the revolution became almost a holy war for him. Death By early 1814, the rebels were on the run. Morelos was an inspired guerrilla commander, but the Spanish had him outnumbered and outgunned. The insurgent Mexican Congress was constantly moving, trying to stay one step ahead of the Spanish. In November of 1815, the Congress was on the move again and Morelos was assigned to escort it. The Spanish caught them at Tezmalaca and a battle ensued. Morelos bravely held off the Spanish while the Congress escaped, but he was captured during the fighting. He was sent to Mexico City in chains. There, he was tried, excommunicated, and executed on December 22. Legacy Morelos was the right man at the right time. Hidalgo started the revolution, but his animosity toward the upper classes and his refusal to rein in the rabble that made up his army eventually caused more problems than they solved. Morelos, on the other hand, was a true man of the people, charismatic and devout. He had a more constructive vision than Hidalgo and exuded a palpable belief in a better tomorrow with equality for all Mexicans. Morelos was an interesting mixture of the best characteristics of Hidalgo and Allende and was the perfect man to carry the torch they had dropped. Like Hidalgo, he was very charismatic and emotional, and like Allende, he preferred a small, well-trained army over a massive, angry horde. He notched up several key victories and ensured that the revolution would live on with or without him. After his capture and execution, two of his lieutenants, Vicente Guerrero and Guadalupe Victoria, carried on the fight. Morelos is greatly honored today in Mexico. The state of Morelos and city of Morelia are named after him, as are a major stadium, countless streets and parks, and even a couple of communications satellites. His image has appeared on several bills and coins throughout Mexicos history. His remains are interred at the Column of Independence in Mexico City, along with other national heroes. Sources Estrada Michel, Rafael. Josà © Marà ­a Morelos. Mexico City: Planeta Mexicana, 2004Harvey, Robert. Liberators: Latin Americas Struggle for Independence. Woodstock: The Overlook Press, 2000.Lynch, John. The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826. New York: W. W. Norton Company, 1986.