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English-Only Textbooks and Instruction Mandate
Due to fears induced by WWI, an English-only bill makes it way into law. While meant to target German speakers, English-only groups use it to Americanize Spanish immigrants as well (Bilingual Education, n.d.). Bilingual Education. n.d. Immigration to the United States. Retrieved from http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/378-bilingual-education.html H.B. 128 Chapter 80 of 35th 4th Called Session. Retrieved from https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/sessionLaws/35-4/HB_128_CH_80.pdf -
Teaching in a Foreign Language: Misdemeanor
The Texas Penal Code of 1925 determines to fine any educator who does not comply with the English-only law. It also threatened possible removal from teaching position and cancellation of teaching certification. Texas Penal Code Art. 288 (1925). Retrieved from https://www.sll.texas.gov/assets/pdf/historical-statutes/1925/1925-3-penal-code-of-the-state-of-texas.pdf -
Little School of the 400
Felix Tijerna and the League of United Latin American Citizens developed and funded a project to teach Spanish-speaking preschoolers 400 words of English to increase student achievement in first grade. They called it the Little School of the 400. It demonstrated success and has been seen as a precursor to the Head Start program. Krenek, T.H. (n.d.) Little School of the 400. Retrieved from https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/kdl02 -
First Bilingual Program in Texas
Superintendent Harold Brantley started first Texan bilingual program in Laredo. He based the model on a program in Florida. District funds supported the program initially (Rodriguez, n.d.). Rodriguez, R. (n.d.) Bilingual Education. Retrieved from https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/khb02 -
Bilingual Education and Training Act of 1973
While some states had already made strides toward bilingual education, this was the first federal statute recognizing the need on a nationwide basis (Stewner-Manzanares, 1988). It provided for the funding and training necessary for schools to enact bilingual programs successfully. (Bilingual Education and Training Act of 1973)
Federal Statutory Law -
Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
This act protects student against discrimination for many topics, including sex, ethnicity, and religion. Section 1703(f), specifically, requires districts to attempt to overcome the learning challenges faced by ELL's. While specific programs are not mandated, it does identify guidelines to judge the adequacy of a program. (Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974)
Federal Statutory Law -
Castañeda v. Pickard
Castañeda claimed his children were not being fully supported by the Raymondville school district. While an initial ruling was against him, he pressed for an appeal and won. As a result, a three part test was developed to determine whether a school's program is sufficiently servicing students. Castañeda v. Pickard, 648 F.2d 989
Judicial -
Plyler v. Doe
Due to a Texas law denying funding to schools for enrolled immigrant children, Tyler ISD attempted to charge families $1,000 in enrollment to compensate for lost funding. The Supreme Court ruled both the district fee and the state law prohibiting funding unconstitutional. Plyler v. Doe, 1982
Judicial -
No Child Left Behind
This federal act tied funding largely to performance on standardized test. However, this often makes schools which serve large populations of bilingual students highly disadvantaged and at jeopardy of loss of funding. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Federal Statute -
ELPS added to TAC
The English Language Proficiency Standards are added to the administrative code in Texas to facilitate to the acquisition of academic English. 19 TAC 74.4
State Administrative Law -
Bilingual Education Today
While bilingual education has undergone many transitions over the years in the state of Texas, generally improving, there yet remains room for improvement. Districts are free to adopt different models: early-exit, late-exit, or dual language, such as Gomez & Gomez. Which of these models is best suited? Right now it seems none close the gap fast enough for NCLB standards. The federal mandates of testing are still placing undue pressure on high LEP schools rather than supporting them. -
Bilingual Education Today (II)
Teachers must teach the ELPS just as they do the TEKS. Bilingual students are evaluated with TELPAS and LPACs meet three times a year to determine the best placement and testing language/accommodations for EL's.