Effectiveness of bilingual and ESL programs in California schools

Immigration Education in California

Few issues create long-lasting controversy, the type of controversy that engages nearly every member of society regardless of their economic, ethnic, intellectual, political, religious, or social background. Examples of such issues are abortion, crime, the death penalty, racism, rape, etc. Another example of such an issue is immigration education in California. While California has traditionally embodied the "melting pot" image that the United States so ardently embraces, the issue of immigration education in California has created (and continues to create) quite a stir.

This paper analyzes and examines the multitude of issues related to immigration education in California. Part II discusses the materials and methods utilized. In Part III, the problem of immigration education in California and the probable causes is outlined. Part IV examines the research methods employed. Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations and potential solutions.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conceived after examining the available research on immigration in California as well as the United States. While there is much research available on the issue of immigration education, it does not appear that the research is narrowly tailored, i.e., it appears to be more emotion-based than fact based. In order to eliminate potential bias over overbreadth, the research will be narrowly tailored to focus on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of bilingual/ESL programs. Research materials will consist largely of books, journals, magazines, and periodicals relevant to this issue. If necessary, fieldwork will be done in order to "personalize" the research and gain a "real world" understanding of the issue.

IV. RESEARCH METHODS

Various research methods may be employed. For example, traditional research methods such as searching journals and periodicals at the university library will be utilized in order to obtain pertinent information. Likewise, online research will be conducted utilizing commonly known search engines like Google, Infotrac, Lexis-Nexis, and Yahoo. Additionally, fieldwork may be done in order to "personalize" the research and enhance its comprehensiveness. Should interest and time dictate, other research methods will be employed, as well.

V. CONCLUSION

Various possible outcomes were anticipated by this research design. First, as suspected, the issue of immigration education in California has been voraciously debated and examined, both by academics and non-academics. However, although the debate and research studies have offered intriguing anecdotes and opened up new research horizons, there is no uniform conclusion or solution to the problem of immigration education in California.

In terms of potential conclusions or solutions, the evidence seems to indicate that more study is needed, particularly on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of bilingual education, ESL programs, integration programs, etc. Other areas of research that may be examined include how California may improve its long-faltering education system both for immigrants and United States citizens.