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The American invasion and the imposition of English
This was the year when the U.S. invasion occurred and where the imposition of English began to Puerto Ricans. -
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First steps to
Joan Eaton Ex-Commissioner of Education of the Unites and his assistant Dr. Victor Clark established that the teachers of Puerto Rico should learn English and those who were ready wuld have preferred to be hired. -
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The years of 1900-1902
Between 1900-1902 the education policy was to retain the Spanish and acquire English: Spanish in the elementary grades and English as a special subject. In high school all subjects were in English and Spanish is taught as a special subject. Emphasis was placed on American culture. -
The first changes in Puerto Rico language policy
It created the Department of Public Instruction with an assigned Commissioner. -
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Changes during the 1900-1902
Between the years 1902-1904 is increased use of English in schools with the idea of making it the official language of Puerto Rico schools. It was created the Foracker Act. -
Between 1905-1913
Spanish is suppressed. English is used as medium of instruction at all levels of the school system. -
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English as a teaching medium
Prepared English courses for teachers. Organized English classes once a week with American teachers, salary increase to teachers who were trained to work with English as a linguistic basis.
The organization of a test where the teacher was to present their knowledge in different subjects. The approval of a law making mandatory annual review of English teachers who prescribed that they will not pass the exam could be suspended from employment. -
English at 1913-1915
Continuing demands and keep emerging new changes in the teaching of English -
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Continuing changes
Spanish was introduced in first grade for some courses.
In 1915 was introduced the draft law for make compulsory Spanish as the medium of instruction. It also recommended that Spanish be used in judicial processes. -
Continuing controversy during the years of 1917-1930
The linguistic controversy continues with a political tinge. -
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Controversial time in teaching English
That was the time of Miller in defense of English and José de Diego in the Spanish defense.
In 1917 the First World War breaks out and there were required to explained the students the acts of patriotism.
During the years 1921 to 1930 the Commissioner of Education John B. Huyke puts more emphasis on the use of English. It requires to teachers and students to use English outside the classroom, teachers meetings and conversations. -
Years of 1930-1936
The Commissioner Dr. Jose Padin turn argues that English is a foreign language from the pedagogical point -
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Struggles between English and Spanish
The Commissioner Dr. Jose Padin struggled to impose Spanish as the medium of instruction. Research and studies were made. Emphasis was given to the English language. It adopted Spanish as the language of instruction in geography, history and mathematics. The English became a special subject from the first grade. The Commissioner recommended Padin bilingual education. -
Spanish prevails again
For 1942 prevails through the sixth grade Spanish and English as a subject. In 1948 Dr. Mariano Villaronga decree teaching the vernacular language at all levels of the public school. -
Bilingual Education 1968 law
United States signed the Bilingual Education Act or Title VII signed by President Johnson -
Political changes impact in Bilingual Education 1968-1972
From 1972-1976 bilingual programs are implemented in schools Padre Rufo XXIII and Pope.
Projects are added: Preschool Education, Cultural Transition Program Bilingual and Bilingual Education Project. -
The years of 1980-1984
The bilingual education program stops being program and its projects are transferred to the Department of English. The Governor Romero Barceló signed the Certification of bilingual education, which has not been fully implemented -
Projects approved during 1988-1992
Four projects were approved for the Department of Education Puero Rico, two for the Metropolitan University, one for Sacred Heart in English and two from the University of Turabo.
Law Number 4 was approved in april 5, 1991. -
Law Number I
In 1993 Spanish only legislation was revoked and sustituted for Law Number I, a Pro Stahood Party Language policy which established both language and Spanish as official languages on the island. Governor Pedro Rosello proclaimed that both languages can be used. -
21 st Century and BEC XXI
Project Bec XXI was implemented. Governor Luis Fortuño proposed that all students should be taught in English fluently by 2022. Installed a Bilingual Curriculum in 31 schools.
