What is a potential danger of ESL programs?

The potential danger of ESL (English as a Second Language) programs taking away time from other content lies in the fact that focusing predominantly on language acquisition can result in less instructional time devoted to other critical subject areas. When a curriculum is heavily centered on language learning, students might miss out on important content knowledge in subjects like math, science, and social studies. This can hinder their overall academic development, especially if they are not receiving adequate exposure to these subjects, which are integral for a well-rounded education. Overemphasizing language at the expense of content knowledge may also lead to gaps in understanding that are crucial for students' future educational pursuits. This is particularly concerning for English language learners, who need exposure to various subject areas to fully integrate and succeed in an academic environment.