Puerto Rico Language Policy Timeline

By lila9102

  • 1898-1900

    Every subject in the public school was taught in English.
    Dr. John Eaton, Ex- Commissioner was of Education of the US and his assistance Dr. Victor Clark stated that every teacher in PR. should learn English. The department of Public Instruction is formed.

  • 1902

    The official language Act granted offical status to both Spanish and English.

  • 1903

    President Theodore Roosevelt's Commissioner of Education re-established English as the medium of instruction to all the grades.

  • 1904

    Schools increased the English lessons with the idea that it will become the official language. 540 teachers were sent to the US. to both Harvard and Cornwell Universities.

  • 1913

    Spanish is named the official language. English is to be taught in all levels of education.

  • 1917

    Spanish as medium of instruction in grades 1-8; English as medium of instruction from 9th to 12 grade.
  • Period: to

    Teachers are employed

    American teachers are employed on the island in an effort to improve the equality of English instructions.

  • 1930

    All the subjects except English are taught in Spanish.

  • 1934

    Blanton S. Winthrop makes English the language of instruction for all grades.

  • 1936

    M. Gallardo is named Commissioner of instruction.

  • 1946

    Teachers are required to teach their students in English.

  • 1947

    Puerto Ricans are given the rights to elect own governor.

  • 1948

    1948
    Luis Mu~noz Marin re-establishes Spanish as the main language of instruction. English is to be taught once of day as a second language.

  • 1949

    1949
    Dr. Mariano Villaronga announced English was to be taught in all schools and at all levels.

  • 1969

    1969
    President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Titular 7 education law.

  • 1970's

    The department of Education applied funds for students who return from the United States. This is known as “Educacion Bilingue”. "Bilingual Education"
  • Period: to

    Implantation of the English Projects. 1972-1976

    English projects are implanted by the PPD

    English Projects are converted to English Bilingual Programs
    59,810 Students apply for English Education services.

  • 1974

    1974
    Lau V. Nichols

  • 1978

    United States Congress authorizes that bilingual projects are remain focused to teach those students who return to Puerto Rico from the United States.

  • 1984

    Bilingual Education is establish and is no longer considered a “Program”.

  • 1989

    Universities such as Turabo, Sagrado Corazon and Metropolitan are all assigned English Programs.

  • 1991

    The “Spanish Only” legislation is approved.

  • 1993

    1993
    Jose Arsenio Torres is named director of the Bilingual education program.

  • 1997

    English immersion program made their way into Puerto Rican schools, under the “Project to Create a Bilingual Citizen.” Ciudadano Bilingue.

  • 2001

    No Child Left Behind Act was implemented.

  • 2012

    Only 12 schools in Puerto Rico offer an all English Curriculum. Hopefully as time pass we will have more bilingual school through out PR.