This is the social cement that provides unity for a diverse population with ancestral connections to most cultures throughout our contemporary world. This is also a means to personal empowerment and achievement of individual interests. Citizens in possession of this democratic civic culture are able to protect their private rights, pursue personal interests, and contribute to the public good. So, a primary goal of education in schools for ESL students is civic education for life in a democratic society. Learning English is an essential part of this civic education process.
Language is both the vehicle and the most profound expression of culture.
In the past, language instruction has often been provided apart from content-area study. However, ESL students can achieve higher levels of language development while learning subject matter. This provides educators with the opportunity to develop and implement curricula to help students understand political principles and practices in the United States, and learn values and skills necessary for effective civic participation. The increasing number of limited English proficient students and their special civic education needs place greater demand on teachers to upgrade their own knowledge and skills. ESL teachers need education in the content areas of civics and political science.