Marilyn Quiñones Robles, Timeline on Puerto Rico Language Policy

1898 – 1900

Oct 22, 1898

Dr. John Eaton – Ex Commissioner of the Department of Education in the United States and Victor Clark- Assistant Commissioner established that Puerto Rican teachers should learn English in order to have better opportunities of being hired.

1900

Oct 22, 1900

The Department of Public Education was created in Puerto Rico

1900 -1902

Oct 22, 1900

The educational politics was that Spanish language will be conserved and the English language will be acquired. Spanish in Elementary grades and English as a especial course. In high schools was all subjects were taught in English and Spanish was a especial course.

1902 – 1904

Oct 22, 1902

The English language was increased with the idea to make it as the official language.

1905 -1913

Oct 22, 1905

Spanish was suppressed / eliminated. All subjects were taught in English

1915

Oct 22, 1915

A project was presented to make compulsory Spanish as the main language for teaching

1916 – 1934

Oct 22, 1916

The Spanish language was established as the teaching tool from first through fourth grade and English was going to be used in half of the courses from fifth through twelve grade.

1917

Oct 22, 1917

Emerge protection for English by Paul G. Milller (Commissioner of Education) and the defense of Spanish by José de Diego

1921-1930

Oct 22, 1921

Li. John B. Huyke who was the Commissioner of instruction established that more emphasis on the use of the English language inside and outside of the classroom by learners and teachers. Materials shall be published in English

1930

Oct 22, 1930

Dr. Jose Padin introduced the use of English as a foreign language and Spanish as a tool for instruction. English was taught as second language.

1936

Oct 22, 1936

Jose M. Gallardo tried to implement a bilingual program but was unsuccessful because people were under the impression that by using English was going to lead to assimilation and at the same time by not using it meant being anti-American.

1942

Oct 22, 1942

Spanish became the first language up to six grade. English was taught as a especial course.

1948

Oct 22, 1948

Spanish was the first language up to the ninth grade.

1949 -1950

Oct 22, 1949

Dr. Mariano Villaronga ended the debate of bilingualism. He established the used of Spanish in all levels and English as a especial course.

1968

Jan 2, 1968

President Johnson signs the U.S. Bilingual Education Act or Title VII.

1970

Oct 22, 1970

Interest arises from the universities and the Department of Education to create bilingual program

1972-1976

Oct 22, 1972

The Popular Democratic Party bilingual projects implemented in schools Padre Rufo and Pope John XXIII. Bilingual Cultural Project exists for years in the DPP is in power. Projects also continue Padre Rufo schools and Pope John XXIII, projects are added "Preschool Education", the Cultural Transitional Bilingual Program and Bilingual Education Project. Also prepared the "State Plan" to attend the needs of students. These projects become bilingual education programs of the Department of P

1974

Oct 22, 1974

Bilingual Education sis expanding in the United States by the famous decision of "Lau vs. Nichols ".

1978

Oct 22, 1978

Arise several Bilingual Education programs with funding from the United States,such as: Title VII,Migrant Student Programs,Bilingual Programs Vocational, Adult Education Programs, Adult Education Program, Special Program for Disadvantaged Students at University Level and Program (FIPSE)

1980-1984

Oct 22, 1980

The New Progressive Party returned to power with the Honorable Carlos Romero Barceló.

1984

Oct 22, 1984

The Bilingual Education program transfers their projects to the Department of English.

1989

Oct 22, 1989

Is approved four projects for the Department of Education in PR These are for the Metropolitan University, “Sagrado Corazón” for English as a Second Language and two for the University of Turabo.

1991-1992

Oct 22, 1991

Project SUCCESS and Project CEMI - to strengthen language arts skills of students with limited proficiency in Spanish and / or English

1993

Oct 22, 1993

Bilingual Education projects are autonomo us .The Honorable Secretary of Education Jose Arcenio Torres names a property manager to direct Bilingual Education program in PR

1997

Oct 22, 1997

Gov. Pedro Rosello established an official act where English and Spanish wioll be considered the official language of Puerto Rico.

2012

Apr 8, 2012

Begin bilingual education programs, Bilingual Education for the 21st Century for elementary level