[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3755) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
     Services, and Education, and related agencies, for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1997, and for other purposes:

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, bilingual education has 
proven to be the most effective tool for successfully teaching English 
and other subjects to limited English proficient children, integrating 
them into our schools and society, and helping them to become valuable, 
productive members of the U.S. economy.
  Bilingual education helps children get started in substantive 
schooling while also learning English. Studies have found that 
providing Limited English Proficient [LEP] students with substantial 
instruction in their primary language does not interfere with, or delay 
their acquisition of English language skills, but helps them to catch 
up to their English-speaking peers in English language arts, English 
reading and math. Indeed, studies have conformed that bilingual 
education students make greater gains than the students who received 
all instruction in English.
  Bilingual education programs encompass a variety of approaches such 
as: combining English as a second language [ESL] classes for English 
language instruction with English-only submersion for other subject 
areas, combining native language instruction in some classes with 
structured English immersion strategies in other subject areas, dual 
immersion programs, and endless other combinations.

  Despite differing methodologies, all bilingual education programs 
involve substantial coursework in English. English is the medium of 
instruction in bilingual classrooms from 72 to 92 percent of the time, 
depending on grade level. Furthermore, all bilingual education programs 
are transitional. The average length of stay in these programs is only 
2-3 years.
  The primary goal of these programs is the development of English 
language skills to prepare LEP students to enter mainstream English 
classrooms. These programs give LEP students a foundation so they can 
effectively compete with their fluent English peers when they are 
completely transitioned out of bilingual education programs. Bilingual 
education programs produce students who have a good knowledge of 
English so they can compete with other students on a level playing 
field. As our country becomes more and more language-diverse, these 
classes play a major role in the education of our Nation's young 
people.
  In order for the U.S. to be competitive in the 21st century, it is 
essential that we have an intelligent and highly skilled labor force. 
The only way to create such a labor force is through an education 
system that addresses the needs and makes use of the special talents of 
all the Nation's children.
  Diversity in people and languages is not a national threat, but an 
advantage. In today's information age, we have the ability to connect 
with individuals across the globe. The movement of people across 
countries and continents has intensified. Our businesses, too, have 
increasingly moved into the broader world marketplace where the most 
influential language is that of the customer. Therefore, the 32 million 
Americans who speak languages in addition to English are at competitive 
advantage.
  We should view bilingualism as a resource and an asset. And we must 
view bilingual education as a necessity. Bilingual education is 
extremely important and should be retained. As the National Education 
Association has said:

       To silence today's children in one language, while they 
     learn another, defies logic and common sense. But to value 
     what they bring to the classroom and build on it makes 
     infinitely greater sense in today's world.

  We give immigrants hope to become fully part of the American dream by 
helping learn the skills to survive.

                          ____________________