BLOG #13 Immigrant Charter Schools

Typically, Second Language Learners enroll in public schools, and participate in the English Language Learners program for language acquisition. Bilingual, or dual language programs for Spanish and English speakers may exist in certain school systems, as well. However, another option for English Language Learners (ELL's)has been made available in certain communities across the U.S. Charter schools designed to reach the needs of these specific populations are on the rise.

While these schools teach the English language, they also reinforce native cultures and values of students from differing cultural groups. There is an emphasis on encouraging these students to continue to value their native language, as well. As the schools tend to be smaller, students receive more attention and individual instruction.

As these types of charter schools are just taking off, there is not alot of research backing their results. There are questions regarding these students' performance in public schools after attending a charter school for some time. Others question the efficiency of language development in these types of schools. Still others wonder if this will lead to even more segregation of our students. While the answers to these questions and more have not been completely answered, some families are turning to charter schools for an alternative way to educate their children.