Which statement describes the primary difference between Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language programs?

Which statement describes the primary difference between Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language programs?

• A. ESL uses English exclusively to teach students.
• B. Bilingual programs use only the student's native language.
• C. Both programs require English only, with no home language support.
• D. Bilingual education does not address language development.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how language is used to teach. In ESL, instruction is conducted in English, with students learning through English and typically receiving little or no instruction in their home language. In bilingual education, instruction uses both English and the student’s native language, supporting learning in one language while developing proficiency in the other, often with the goal of biliteracy. Therefore, the statement that ESL uses English exclusively to teach students best captures the key difference: ESL centers on English as the language of instruction, whereas bilingual programs deliberately incorporate the home language. The other options misrepresent bilingual teaching or assume English-only approaches for both programs.

The main idea is how language is used to teach. In ESL, instruction is conducted in English, with students learning through English and typically receiving little or no instruction in their home language. In bilingual education, instruction uses both English and the student’s native language, supporting learning in one language while developing proficiency in the other, often with the goal of biliteracy. Therefore, the statement that ESL uses English exclusively to teach students best captures the key difference: ESL centers on English as the language of instruction, whereas bilingual programs deliberately incorporate the home language. The other options misrepresent bilingual teaching or assume English-only approaches for both programs.