English as a Second Language Education: Policy Cycles in Changing Contexts
Open Access
Author:
Stewart, Kelsey Eleanor
Area of Honors:
Sociology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dana Lynn Mitra, Thesis Supervisor Dana Lynn Mitra, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Jeffery Todd Ulmer, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Education policy ESL ELL
Abstract:
This paper explores how past cultural and political contexts have affected ESL education, and aims to determine what the next major language policy for ELL students may look like in relation to modern public sentiment and current societal context. First this paper discusses the historical context that has previously shaped the policy cycle of language education reform and explores the current political and social contexts surrounding education policies of ELL students. It also briefly explains the three main approaches to ESL education: English-only, bilingual and dual language. The paper then investigates English-only education as it is related to today’s political atmosphere and takes a close look at the implementation of Proposition 227, a pivotal English-only education reform that was passed in California in 1998. The paper next explores bilingual education and dual language education, both in accordance to today’s values and context. The paper concludes by suggesting which education approach is ideal for ELL students and discussing the likelihood that change in ESL education policies will occur.