Timeline: Puerto Rico Language Policy Timeline

Oct 1, 1898

In Puerto Rico' schools all subjects are taught in English

The Department of Public Educaction is formed.

Oct 1, 1902

The Official Language Act

Puerto Rico was granted with both language English and Spanish

Oct 1, 1903

English was re-established as the medium of instruction in all grades.

This was implemented by President Theodore Roosevelt’s

Oct 1, 1904

Puerto Rico schools increased the English language

Many teacher were sent to United States to study in Harvard and Cornwell university.

Oct 1, 1913

Spanish is the official language in P.R.

Oct 24, 1930

American Teachers are employed on the island in an effort to improve the quality of English instruction.

Oct 1, 1934

Commissioner Jose Padín reinstated Spanish as the official language in schools.

In this year English was only taught as a special class.

Oct 1, 1936

Commissioner of Instruction José M. Gallardo launched a new method of teaching

During this year the popultaion of school reached 600, 000 students.

Oct 1, 1946

Teachers are required to teach their students in English.

Oct 1, 1948

Under the incumbency of Luis Muñoz Marín, Puerto Rico took more control over the development of public education system

English is taught as a second language

Nov 24, 1949

Dr. Mariano Villaronga announced English was to be taught in all schools and at all levels.

Oct 24, 1969

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Titular 7 education law.

Oct 24, 1970

Educación Bilingüe

The Department of Education applied funds for students who return from the United States. This is known as “Educacion Bilingue”.

Oct 1, 1972

English projects (1972-1976)

Oct 1, 1974

Lau vs Nichols

Examines the 1974 Supreme Court case in which a group of Chinese American parents sued the San Francisco School Board on behalf of their children for not providing a special learning environment for Chinese-speaking students.

Oct 24, 1978

Bilingual Projects

Bilingual project is authorized for students that move from United States to P.R.

Apr 1, 1984

Bilingual Education

Bilingual Education is stabilized

Oct 1, 1989

English Programs at universities

English Programs are assigned to universities such as Sagrado Corazon, Metropolitan University and Turabo.

Oct 25, 1990

Department of Education

Law 68 Education Reform was approved, this law changed name of the Deaprtment of Instruction Public to Department of Education. It also gave more autonomy to schools.

Oct 1, 1991

Spanish Only Legislation

Popular Party approved the "Spanish Only"legislation.

Oct 25, 1997

English immersion program

The English Immersion program arrived in public schools under the “Project to Create a Bilingual Citizen.”

Jan 23, 2001

No Child Left Behind Act

NCLB supports standards-based education reform based on the premise that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes in education.