Approximately five percent of the k-12 student population or 2.3 million children speak a native language other than English. That same NAEP study found that approximately only one out of 16 teachers has had professional training in teaching LEP students. The problem is particularly acute at the secondary school level where older LEP students must meet graduation requirements. Currently, nearly two-thirds of LEP students do not receive the special services they require. As the number of children whose native language is not English increases and the resources going to schools continues to be limited, the situation will probably deteriorate.
Bilingual education uses two languages as the media of instruction.
The teacher develops English skills and teaches content in the native language. Bilingual education is one means of addressing the unique learning styles and instructional needs of language-minority students. He notes that, contrary to public perception, English is the language of instruction for 72-92 percent of the instructional time. There are five primary teaching approaches used today in the instruction of language minority students. Bilingual instructors teach academic subjects in the students' primary language.