Bilingual Education

Learn more about the education model where students are taught part of the day in their first language and the rest of the day in a language that is new to them, typically English
High school teacher Tara Hobson talks with a student in the school cafeteria at San Francisco International High School in San Francisco on April 19, 2016. Some districts have gone to extraordinary lengths to accommodate migrant students, who often come to join relatives, sometimes escaping criminal gangs or extreme poverty. San Francisco International High School rewrote young-adult novels at a basic level to spark the newcomers' interest in reading.
High school teacher Tara Hobson talks with a student in the school cafeteria at San Francisco International High School in San Francisco on April 19, 2016. The quality of education for English learners, including migrant students in San Francisco, has evolved over the last years in part due to landmark civil rights Supreme Court decision.
Jeff Chiu/AP
English-Language Learners How a 1974 U.S. Supreme Court Case Still Influences English-Learner Education
Fifty years ago Lau v. Nichols required schools to provide language support to English learners to ensure access to public education.
Ileana Najarro, January 19, 2024
7 min read
Photo of Hispanic teacher helping Hispanic elementary school boy using a tablet computer
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English-Language Learners The Challenge of Growing Dual Language Programs, in Charts
As the English learner population grows nationwide, researchers and education leaders are grappling with how best to serve these students.
Ileana Najarro, September 29, 2023
1 min read
Education Week opinion letters submissions
Gwen Keraval for Education Week
English-Language Learners Letter to the Editor Celebrate Bilingualism and Multicultural Identities at School
Students should be encouraged to maintain their native languages, writes an educator.
August 22, 2023
1 min read
Close up of a Diploma and blue graduation ribbon.
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English-Language Learners Biliteracy Seals Recognize Multilingualism, But Schools Can Do More
Almost all states now offer some form of distinction on diplomas for proficiency in English and additional languages.
Ileana Najarro, June 30, 2023
7 min read
Students in Dalia Gerardo’s 2nd grade class have access to school supplies labeled in Spanish and English at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala. Seals of biliteracy programs promote multilingualism as an asset across the country.
Students in Dalia Gerardo’s 2nd grade class have access to school supplies labeled in Spanish and English at West Elementary in Russellville, Ala.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English-Language Learners Earning Seals of Biliteracy Are Beneficial to Students. Here's What the Research Shows
There's emerging evidence that seals of biliteracy benefit students, but more empirical data is needed.
Ileana Najarro, June 30, 2023
5 min read
Photo of computer and newspapers.
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Curriculum Q&A Teaching Students to Be Media Literate in Two Languages
A former television reporter helps students learn to process news critically in both Spanish and English.
Evie Blad, June 7, 2023
4 min read
English-Language Learners Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Supporting English Learners?
Answer 7 questions about supporting English Learners.
February 21, 2023
Inside the mobile book bus on Dec. 20, 2022.
Natalie Griffin, the executive director of special programs for the Mineral Wells school district, in Mineral Wells, Texas, has directed more resources, including a mobile book bus, to help English learners.
Nitashia Johnson for Education Week
English-Language Learners Photo Essay PHOTOS: When Support Starts at the District Office
EdWeek photographer Natashia Johnson reflects on her day with Natalie Griffin, a 2023 Leaders To Learn From honoree.
February 6, 2023
1 min read
Natalie Griffin, Executive Director of Special Programs for Mineral Wells ISD, pictured at the mobile book bus on December 20, 2022.
Natalie Griffin has successfully recruited bilingual teachers to her Texas district.
Nitashia Johnson for Education Week
English-Language Learners Leader To Learn From She Defied Expectations as a Pregnant Teen. Now She’s Helping English Learners Do the Same
Natalie Griffin found bilingual educators for a district with a long-neglected English-learner population.
Caitlynn Peetz, February 6, 2023
7 min read
English-Language Learners Video Teachers, Try This: Incorporate Students' Home Languages Into Your Classrooms
One Texas teacher utilizes her ELL students’ home languages to build community.
Lauren Santucci, December 15, 2022
2:56
Emily Francis
Emily Francis
Courtesy of Seidlitz Education
Teaching Profession Q&A Immigrant Teacher's Memoir Sheds Light on What English Learners Need
Emily Francis came to the United States at 15. Now an English-as-a-second-language teacher, she shares advice in her new book.
Ileana Najarro, October 25, 2022
5 min read
Lesliean Luna teaches her third grade class at Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax, Va., on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022.
Lesliean Luna teaches her 3rd grade class at Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax, Va., earlier this month.
Elizabeth Frantz for Education Week
Recruitment & Retention Q&A Answering a District's Call for Bilingual Teachers, a Mother and Daughter Leave Puerto Rico for Virginia
Lesliean Luna and Gabriela Muriente answer a school district's call for their language skills and teaching expertise.
Elizabeth Heubeck, October 21, 2022
5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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School & District Management Opinion Principals: Supporting Your Teachers Doesn't Have to Be Such Hard Work
Principals can show teachers they care by something as simple as a visit to their classrooms or a pat on the back.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 24, 2022
12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English-Language Learners Opinion Crystal Ball Predictions: What Will Education for ELL Students Look Like in 10 Years?
In the next decade, schools just might appreciate English-learners for whom they are and the language skills they possess.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 17, 2022
12 min read