Children of parents whose native language is not English should begin learning both languages as early as possible, ideally, simultaneously when they first begin to acquire spoken language so that they will develop the fullest and most fluent bilingualism possible. The main argument against bilingualism does not refute the value of speaking multiple languages; instead, it reflects the concern that when children are taught only their parents' native language, they should not receive academic instruction in any language other than English only because doing so delays and inhibits their absorption of English language skills. There may be some merit to that position but the solution is not simply to refuse to provide any language accommodations for English as second language (ESL). Specifically,...

Instead, the solution is to design bilingual education and educational methodologies that emphasize the quickest and most effective absorption of English language skills within the framework of bilingual instruction. As long as the approach to bilingual education is delivered in ways that facilitate English language skills (and not in ways that discourage learning English), there is absolutely no conceivable justification for opposing bilingualism whether in or out of the educational context.