Theoretical Concepts and BiLingual Education

Furthermore, the characteristics of Hispanic students in American schools will also be identified to illuminate their distinctive learning needs and styles. Because of their socio-demographic status, their language difference and their cultural values, Hispanic students have specific learning needs that differ from their counterparts in other groups. This section will thus explain why traditional teaching approaches that have been used to teach students from mainstream American cultures are not the most appropriate for Hispanic students.

Finally, the provision of appropriate second language instruction for Hispanic students is examined. Using Krashen's (1994) theory of comprehensive input as a springboard, this discussion will explain

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rate of Hispanic students was the highest among all the different racial/ethnic groups in 2000ù27.8 percent, compared to Whites (4.1 percent) and African Americans (13.1 percent). In addition, since Hispanic students come from a culture with a different language, many of them encounter difficulties with the English language. According to Lindholm-Leary (2001), Spanish-speakers constitute 75 percent of minority students with limited English proficiency in American schools. Due to restrictive and limited educational policies, Valdes (2001) stated that over 65 percent of students with limited English proficiency are not provided with the necessary language support to help them succeed in the classrooms. In many public schools, Hispanic students are placed in transitioned sheltered English immersion classes or early-exit bilingual education programs, where they are expected to learn academic subjects in English without sufficient language assistance or instruction. Due to their language handicaps, many of them perform poorly in their academic subjects. Apart from the language issue, teachers' failure to acknowledge the cultural traits of Hispanic students that influence their learning preferences can also undermine their succe
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Approximate Word count = 4595
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page)

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