Bilingual education programs are designed to ensure that students master the content of the essential knowledge and skills of the state-mandated curriculum in their first language, and in English as their skills progress, while learning English.
Students receive content area instruction in both languages.
English as a second language programs are defined as intensive programs of instruction designed to develop student proficiency in English and in content areas using second language methodologies. However, within these broad definitions there is wide variation in program characteristics and goals. Students in English as a second language programs receive instruction in English-language skills, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication, rather than academic content areas. In content-based ESL programs, instruction is structured around academic content rather than generic English language skills. Students in sheltered instruction arrangements receive subject matter instruction in English, modified based on their level of English proficiency.