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There was bilingualism between the "tainos" and "caribe" indians on the island.
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Dr. John Eaton and Dr. Victor Clark established that the teachers in Puerto Rico should learn English and those who knew it would have priorities on their contracts.
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On elementary schools, English was taught as a special subject. On high schools, all classes were given in English. There was an emphasis on American culture.
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English use was increased during schools with the idea of turning it into the official language. Teachers were sent to the United States to study. There was an annual English test for teachers.
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Spanish was suppressed. English was used as a means for teaching. Courses in English were developed for teachers. Once a week, American teachers taught at puertorrican schools. Teachers qualified to word with English classes received a bonus. A law was approved to make annual tests compulsory.
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The use of Spanish was introduced for first grade on courses such as hygiene and reading.
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There was a law approved for using Spanish as means of teaching.
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The linguistic controversy took a politic nuance. Puerto Ricans were going to war and it was mandatory to speak about patriotism at schools. Commissioner Miller defended the English while Jose de Diego defended Spanish.
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Juan B. Huyke gave emphasis to use English even outside the classrooms, professional meetings and conversations between teachers and students. Printed materials were in English and materials printed in Spanish were prohibited.
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Dr. Jose Padín exposed that English was a foreign language from a pedagogical point of view. English was viewed as a second language and was a special course since the first grade. Padín recommended bilingual education but with a continual evaluation to adjust it to the necessities of Puerto Rico.
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Spanish was used for the 1st grade up to 4th grade. English was used on half of the classes from 5th grade forth.
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English was seen in Puerto Rico as assimilation of the American culture. Commissioner Jose M. Gallardo tried to start a bilingual program, but there were many public protests.
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Spanish prevailed till sixth grade and English continued as a class.
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Spanish was taught till the 9th grade.
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Dr. Mariano Villaronga mandated the teaching in Spanish for all the level among public schools. This is the political and linguistic policy that has prevailed till this moment
