Did You Say Bilingual?

I am currently studying to become a bilingual elementary education teacher. Even before I came to college and learned about the different bilingual education programs, I would always say that I wanted to teach in a classroom where both languages--English and Spanish, were represented. I wanted students to be able to learn the language not only from myself, but also through their interactions with one another. Now, after learning about the different bilingual programs, my ideal job would be to teach in a dual language school. However, it was not until I came to college that I learned about the various other bilingual programs, like the ones presented in Ofelia Garcia's article. Some of these programs include submersion, transitional, and structured immersion. As I was reading the Garcia article, as well as the other times in my college career, I could not help but wonder, "How are these programs considered bilingual?" Yes, they may temporarily include teaching and inclusion of both languages in the classroom, but the main goal of these programs is to phase out the student's native language. Thus, if the main goal is creating monolingual students, how are these methods even considered bilingual? Is it for lack of a better term? Is it because it makes these programs sound legitimate? Or is it because the majority never wanted the minority to be of equal status?

Also, as I was reading through the article, I kept asking, "How do those who implement subtractive "bilingual" programs into their schools define the term bilingual?" Personally, I would define bilingual as the ability to speak and understand in two different languages. Do those people consider subtractive programs "bilingual" because at one point two languages are used and known by the students? Is not the main goal of them to phase out the native language? Why is phasing out a child's native language beneficial? Why aren't majority language speaking students required to learn a minority language? Why do we have these double standards? Sometimes I feel guilty as a native English speaker because I feel as though so many other English speakers are sending the message that to be successful in the world, you must learn English. When I have asked some of my residents, "Why did you learn English?" They respond something like,"Well, to be successful and to be able to communicate with others in the world one needs to learn English." I really hope that as a future bilingual teacher, I can make a difference in the educational word. I hope that students feel that they can be successful when using their native tounge too.