Editing Bilingual education (section)

=== English as a second language ===
{{main|English as a second language}}

'''English as a second language (ESL) programs''' are not considered bilingual education programs because they do not aim to have students become bi-literate in two (or more) languages. The goal of ESL programs is for [[English-language learner]]s to learn English after having acquired one or more native languages. ESL is a supplementary, comprehensive English language learning program common in English-speaking countries and countries where English has an important role in communication as a result of colonialism or globalization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of English as a Second Language (ESL) |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/english-as-a-second-language-esl-1690599 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=ThoughtCo |language=en}}</ref> One common approach in ESL programs is [[Sheltered instruction|sheltered English instruction]] (SEI). Bilingual education ESL programs are increasingly common throughout the United States, especially in states with large immigrant populations. California, for example, had 2,363,000 Dual Language Learners in 2022, making up 32% of all children aged 0-8. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-18 |title=Young Dual Language Learners in the United States and by State |url=https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/data-hub/charts/us-state-profiles-young-dlls |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=migrationpolicy.org |language=en}}</ref>