important to the student. If the student feels English would improve their quality of life, such as helping them to advance to college, get a better job, or perhaps a raise, it can help to increase their drive for learning. As well as helping them to function in a society that is predominately English speaking. Although according to Gloria Anzaldua in her essay entitled How To Tame A Wild Tongue, They had a whole lifetime of being immersed in their native tongue; generations, centuries, in which Spanish was a first language, taught in school, heard on radio and TV, and read in the newspaper.(Anzaldua 542) Spanish speaking adults are now realizing that for students to succeed, or have a chance at a decent life it is important for them to learn English. By being supportive, and helpful, this also helps a student realize the importance of advancing in their knowledge. Bilingual education is important from another perspective as well. It can be contended that it benefits our mainstream English-speaking students almost as much as it does Limited English Proficient students. The United States is somewhat unique in that it is more uncommon than common for a citizen to speak more than one language. In Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other countries just the opposite is true, most citizens speak more than one language.Exposure to bilingual programs aids not only the Limited English Proficient student but also has the potential of being an advantage to the mainstream English-speaking student by providing contact with other cultures, and the incentive to perhaps learn their language as well. The arguments surrounding both the cost of bilingual education, and its effectiveness are many, and varied. Those who oppose it claim that it simply delays a childs entry into the mainstream academic environment, and isolates them within a special group of students who are neither proficient in the English language nor, in many cases, th...
