Should We Teach Bilingual Education in the U.S.?

Welcome to my Portfolio Project for my Level 4 Reading and Composition Class at the English Language Center at the University of Denver.

For this project, I have written an argument essay where I argue that we need to teach two languages instead of just English in our public school system. The annotated bibliography presents my reading and research on this topic, and the vocabulary section provides useful words for helping you understand this topic. 

Below is a video introduction to my portfolio and list of contents.

I hope you enjoy! Please feel free to post comments and opinions!

Thanks....


I. Argument Essay
II. Annotated Bibliography
III. Vocabulary Study

Dual-Language Vocabulary

Teaching Children Through Dual-Language Immersion

In America, we are used to the world wanting to speak English. After all, the United States is a leader in the world economy, and it is a benefit for many throughout the world to learn English. This creates an attitude in this country where many think that learning languages outside of English isn’t important. However, learning multiple languages is a benefit for everyone, including Americans, and I believe our schools should focus on teaching dual-language immersion, and, specifically, we should be teaching English alongside Spanish.

Some believe that we should teach only English and that this country should adopt it as its official language. This, I believe, limits us and our children. The United States, as most know, is the land of immigrants. Sure, many people here speak English, but many don’t as well. We have many people with Chicano/Latina roots who speak Spanish. Only speaking one language limits our ability to speak with many people who are and becoming citizens of this country. This has obvious consequences for the economy because many people who work and produce in this country speak Spanish.   

Nola's Movie

This is a story a former student made for her bookclub project. 

Click here for the video

Carmen's Eggs: An Interpretive Tribute to Daniel Luna's Painting

 

Carmen grew up in one of the poorest barrios in west Denver. She has two younger sisters and two older brothers.  Her parents, Jorge and Jennifer, both work long hours, and Carmen is usually the one cooking and cleaning and taking care of the family, even though she is only 16. While her brothers are older, they are too busy getting into trouble and have no interest in cooking and cleaning and providing for the family.

That is a woman’s job, anyway.