There is a debate going on in American public schools over the best way to teach English to foreign students. Many schools use bi-lingual education. This means that students study their core subject classes such as science, mathematics and social studies in their native tongue. They also take a few hours of English.
Recently, many educators have begun to criticize bi-lingual education. Opponents claim that bi-lingual education not only slows students' development of language skills, but also their adjustment to American life. They often remain separated from the mainstream student body.
These critics have proposed the immersion method. This means that a student will take only English classes until they can function effectively in regular subject classes. Proponents of immersion theory argue that in order to prepare these foreign students for college or the job market, they must be able to communicate in English.
Despite this disagreement, nearly all educators agree that English is a necessary tool for improving the quality of one's life in America.