The Effects of Proper Implementation of Bilingual Programs in Elementary Schools in the United States

Abstract: Americans ’ support of bilingual education has been closely linked with the immigration sentiments of the times. Current anti-immigrant feelings on bilingualism have intensified its negative connotation and effectiveness in English language acquisition. Improper implementation of bilingual programs has also fueled this misconception. This literature will challenge these misconceptions. The following literature review shows the historical trends towards bilingualism in the United States. It also reviews both quantitative and qualitative studies to discuss the types of bilingual programs, the benefits of these programs, and the contribution of their proper implementation in elementary schools across the country to students ’ success in standardized tests. Historical Trends Towards Bilingualism in the United States Since its beginnings, the United States has always been a melting pot of different languages and cultures. The American Revolution brought with it the no official language policy. “Evidence suggests that the framers of the U.S. Constitution believed that in a democracy, government should leave language choices up to the people ” (Crawford, 1999, p. 22). However,