Floyd wrote on Nov 8, 2008 6:23 PM:Teaching someone in Spanish when the dominant language is English leaves the student unprepared for life. Don't compare the students to other unprepared students, compare them to those who do well in daily life. That's what the standardized test does and why it is important to keep the test.

J Sandoval wrote on Nov 8, 2008 8:39 PM:The only thing that is not working about Prop 227 is that CA school districts ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW. Every CA school site I have worked at over the last ten years has had bilingual ed classes. When I was working at a south bay high school 8 years ago, they would have a separate Parent Night for the parents of English learners. As parents entered the gym they would be confronted by a table of teachers with papers for the parents to sign. Those papers were the waivers required to place their children in Bilingual ed classes. As I understand it, that was against the law. Parents were not be led by the nose and convinced by teachers to sign the waivers.

Gil wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:54 PM:This is a pointless story. Public education is quickly becoming public baby sitting, all thanks to the liberal mindset.

blm wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:20 AM:Floyd is right on. The issue is really a growing demand and expectation that the COUNTY be bilingual. Language immersion works; most of the advanced language training I've seen culminates with an extended stay in a county that speaks the target language. With an attitude of the parents that learning English is the way to participate in America, students would take the first year and learn English, and then move easily into classes taught in English. I had to move my kids out of the "English only" classroom because so much bilingual material was being presented that my English speaking kids were being held back, not the other way around.

Lu wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:08 AM:It seems to me that all these negative comments against bilingual ed. are stemming from the "unknown." Learning English is a goal in bilingual programs. We all want our kids to learn English. What we have to take in consideration is the fact that these kids are coming into our classrooms with zero English. Bilingual ED. helps children with no English experience develop language by using the native language. By the way, it's called prior knowledge. I would like to see UNZ immersed into a mandarin classroom. I wonder how long it will take him to feel the experience that our kids feel when listening to a teacher that sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher.
Congratulations to the citizens of Oregon!! It's evident that being bilingual is honored and valued!!!!

Johny On The Spot wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:18 AM:Until Prop 227 there was a school a couple blocks from my house in Oceanside where every single class was taught in Spanish. That was ludicrous.

If you had a child in that school that was not a Spanish speaker, they were taught 90 percent of the day in Spanish and then get their lessons briefly in English at the end of the class.

I am very glad that Prop 227 changed this.

Sal wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:43 AM:Ron Unz notes that English learners’ test scores “doubled” from 1998 to 2002 ("Proposition 227: 10 years later," November 8). Tellingly, those were the years before his immersion law was implemented with any consistency. He ignores the results since then because they’re much more revealing: there has been no difference in the English results between immersion and bilingual programs, and the delusional promises he made in 1998—immersion students would learn English “in one year” and bilingual programs would “disappear”—have proven false.

When Unz argues, "If you don't teach them English, they are going to have a hard time," bilingual education advocates naturally agree. However, we add another point: English learners who develop strong academic skills in their native language as well as English will have a competitive advantage in a global economy. Too bad Unz doesn’t have the sense to recognize such an obvious benefit in bilingual education.

Scooter wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:32 AM:Sal: While knowing another language may be advantageous in a global economy, English is still the most spoken language in the world. Additionally, we live in America, where it most definitely is the dominant language. Most people have no need to know an additional language in their job positions, and unless you travel to foreign countries to conduct business, a second language is no big deal (I speak some German and some Spanish-so what).

Here's the point: In America, learn English and teach your children English from the start. Don't hold up the kids in class who were taught English because you were too lazy or thought that it was the teachers place to do it for you. Some kids are in school to learn, and not wait for those whose folks expect the State to raise their kids.

Sal wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:23 PM:Scooter, there are thousands of non-English speaking immigrants who come to America each year with school-aged children. They cannot teach English to their children "from the start" because they have only begun to learn English themselves. The law requires that those children attend school, and it is, in fact, teachers' responsibility to teach such children. Laziness has nothing to do with it.

teacher for truth wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:44 PM:The true victory of Prop 227 was giving parents a CHOICE. If parents wanted their children learning in Spanish they would be making that choice. The majority DO NOT, they want their children to learn English as quickly as possible.

The other issue is a serious lack of qualified teachers to teach Bilingual Ed. I have heard VERY few white teachers properly speak Spanish. If they can not properly speak the language they should not teach it. Bilingual Ed also requires students to be stable, we have too much transiency for it to be successful.

Scooter wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:51 PM:Sal: Thousands is a far cry from the millions of illegals that are currently living here. Thousands do not create the learning problem that we are talking about here. Thousands breaks down to 200 per state per thousand, which would never require the law that this article is speaking about.

Bottom line is that if you want to live and succeed in America, you need to assimilate. Speak any other language you want at home, but English is spoken here.

Good bye. Adios. Auf Wiedersehen.

IDEA kb wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:52 PM:Require parents of non-English speaking kids to pay for private classes, tutoring, whatever they need, on thier own time, with thier dime, so that all the kids can learn the public school curriculum during public school time. I learn Spanish before taking a math class in Mexico. Duh.

Natural De-Selection wrote on Nov 9, 2008 2:58 PM:"If you don't teach them English, they will have a hard time." Well... if the parent doesn't prepare the offspring to succeed, then it doesn't, and it's the natural order of things.

Lu wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:11 PM:No one has to assimilate to any culture. That's the beauty of being "American." America is the melting pot of cultures. I'm not going to ask someone to assimilate and throw away their heritage, language and culture to make "you" feel better.

Dr. Cholo wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:41 PM:If bi-lingual education were truly bi-lingual (Spanish/English) we might have something. But, as a native Spanish speaker with a PhD from the Universidad de Mexico I can tell you that NONE of the schools I've visited in San Diego County (and I've been to quite a few over the past 20 years) teach Spanish! Additionally, the clear majority of students arriving in my University classroom are sorely lacking in English skills, and many routinely expect me to aid them by explaining things to them in Spanish. I was raised in California and Educated in an LAUSD school. I later attended UCLA, working my way through my BA (often two jobs during the summers). I then applied for graduate school and did a co-operative with the Universidad de Mexico and Texas A&M. Yes, I came from a family where dad was a gardener and mom was a house keeper. Poor? Only in the financial sense. I learned early on the value of hard work and understood that English proficiency and good grades were my meal ticket! But, I also had teachers who understood this too and who would not cater to those of us who spoke Spanish at home. No, it was English only from k-12. ESL was an additional class where we could go to get assistance. But, those of us who were serious about our education, and that was a clear majority back in the 60's and 70's, knew that it was up to us to achieve!
If the union were to stop playing these games with the teachers these days (bi-lingual teachers, and teacher's aides who can help translate) and if Districts were to teach English and require students to learn the language, rather than pandering to Hispanic students, then maybe, just maybe the current generation would have similar opportunities as those of us who came before. But, alas I fear racism is alive and well as to divide is to conquer. And language will divide a people faster than nearly anything else in society. A singular language and literacy in that language are truly the great equalizer, as through literacy ALL people in the society can communicate, and all people can read and remain informed as to what is going on in their society. Illiteracy is the best way to maintain control over the masses and allow the elite to rule the world.

To Lu wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:53 PM:You either don't understand American History or you are one of those who would prefer that certain individuals remain where they are. If the African Slave were never assimilated into American Mr. Obama would not now today be in the wings waiting to take his seat in the White House. Yes, I understand he was not born a slave, nor even to a descendant of a slave, but if he'd retained his language and culture of Kenya He'd not have been able to gain the support nor vote that he did.
That said, if Africans, Chinese, Asians, Germans, Spanish, Russians, Greeks, Italians, French, British, Irish, etc. can all learn the English language and assimilate into America, then why would you relegate the Hispanics from Mexico and Central America to only doing the jobs Americans won't do? Pretty racist if you ask me! American Culture is unique in that it assimilates many parts of many other cultures creating some far better and more desirable than what was found in the original culture. No other culture is willing to assimilate people in such a manner. Rather, they tend to do as you would have people do: retain their won language and culture and remain locked into a life of servitude.
Dr. Cholo

Tamara wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:24 AM:Let's keep our eye on the ball. This is not about personal perceptions of the school down the street or personal politics. If this were a medical question, we would look to the scientific research to determine the best course of action. Do the same for this. There is consistent, scientific research on the subject. Please inform yourselves properly before making your decision on this issue. An intelligent person would do that for any issue.

Erin wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:14 AM:I can't speak much to the scientific evidence, but I can speak to experience. I lived abroad in Germany for four years as a child in late-elementary and middle school, and I was not provided German as a Second Language classes or special tutoring or a translator. I was plunked down in a German school where all instruction was in German and where I was expected to learn the language of my new "home country" in order to pass my classes and fit in with my peers. And guess what? I learned the language. Sure there was an adjustment period, but I started picking it up pretty quick. Immersion is the best way to learn a language - its how my language classes were taught in college and it is the premise of studying abroad. Providing all these additional and special services to English learners only drains funds and resources when our schools and state budget are already struggling. But more importantly, as Dr. Cholo notes, such programs tend to hinder English language development and create social divides on the basis of language. What is wrong with having an official language that everyone is required to learn? It is more efficient socially and economically, yet it does not mean that immigrants must give up their native language. America is a melting pot, that is true, but being such should not preclude this country from establishing a common basis, such as language, upon which the interactions of all living in this country are undertaken.

Tony wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:16 AM:IN RESPONSE TO LU - Mandarin? Are you kidding me? Why the willful ignorance? When was the last time you saw a mandarin real estate contract or an application for a bank loan here in California? Most documents and contracts have to written in English. Look at the high level of mortgage defaults amongst Latinos. How many of them do you think understood what they were signing? When the student goes home from school, do you think they are going to a bilingual household? How many times have we seen the child interpreting for the parents? If Unz was living in China, then it would be an appropriate comment. Living here in the US you may survive with below average English skills learned in a bilingual environment, but it is very difficult to succeed. I know this for a fact because my mom never mastered the English language. She could have done so much more. But my parents encouraged me to be in an English immersion program and I have succeeded beyond their expectations. They cared enough about me to make sure I learned the language. The reports I write for my job have to be written in English as required by federal law. It is a great paying job but there are no 1st generation Latinos in my industry, only 2nd or 3rd generation where English is their first language. I guess the teachers (or their union) know that it doesn’t take a high level of English skills to scrub a toilet or mow a lawn. But reading a mortgage contract or a want ad for a better paying job does require a mastery of the English language. Don’t take my word for it; just ask people who interview Latino high school graduates who did not go through the immersion program. Unless the interviewer is fluent in Spanish, they generally get lost in the hatchet English spoken by these graduates. It has happened to me numerous times. This is just another ploy to deny Latinos the tools they will need to get out of the lower income classes. It's sad to see that these are teachers are now participating in holding back Latinos.

Jack wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:56 PM:It all comes down to one thing. Those that say Prop 227 isn't working are the ones that are "bi-lingual" experts, teachers, etc. It all comes down to their job. No bi-lingual education offered, not job for them. They could care less about the kids. Really, how could they? And studies done by bi-lingual experts showing that bi-lingual education is beneficial? Please...let me do a quick scientific study that shows it is not. One thing and one thing only is at issue here...jobs for bi-lingual experts, teachers, aides, etc.

Jose the Linguist wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:18 PM:In California we had English Only for 100 years before 227 with such poor results that educators began looking for ways to more effectively teach English language learners. Too bad the trial for alternative means was abruptly ended by a misguided millionaire with no educational experience. Good thing he didn't get interested in the medical field.

F2 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:28 PM:Hola Floyd, you are obviously monolingual. Have you ever tried to learn another language? Try taking a test in Chinese do you think it would accurately measure your academic levels? People do not magically require a second language, they must be explicitly taught. There is extensive research that supports having a strong foundation in ones primary language. If you have a strong foundation in your primary language you can transfer literacy skills to your second language. What you are proposing is to throw children into the ocean without teaching them how to swim. I work with students on a daily basis and the students in the biliteracy class out preform all of the students in the school. The students that do not get support in their primary language usually experience language loss and have no language skills to transfer. With no language skills to transfer they end up struggling in school and are many times referred for special education. If you read you will learn that the majority of students who do not graduate from high school are often minority students because the the system does not support or celebrate their language and cultural heritage.

educated bilingualy wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:37 PM:I DIDNT GET TO READ ALL THE COMMENTS, BUT I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN A BILINGUAL CLASS. THESE CLASSES AREN'T TAUGHT IN SPANISH, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD BE CALLED SPANISH CLASSES; THEY ARE TAUGHT BOTH IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH, HENCE THE NAME BILINGUAL CLASSES. KIDS COMING IN FROM OTHER COUNTRIES USUALLY DON'T KNOW MUCH, IF ANY, ENGLISH, AND IN ORDER FOR THEM TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE, THEY NEED TO BE TAUGHT IN THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE. THATS HOW FOREIGN LANGUAGES ARE TAUGHT. AN ENGLISH-ONLY-SPEAKER CAN'T EXPECT TO LEARN JAPANESE IF THE TEACHER ONLY SPEAKS TO THEM IN JAPANESE. THAT'S HOW BILINGUAL CLASSES WORK. I WAS TAUGHT IN BILINGUAL CLASSES IN MY EARLY CHILDHOOD AND AM NOW A SHORT STORY WRITER AND POET. MY ENGLISH IS EXCEEDS MOST OF MY PEER'S VOCABULARY, EVEN THOUGH MY NATIVE LANGUAGE IS SPANISH.

Jim wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:32 PM:First, EVERYONE (including the kids) wants these students to learn English. They, and their parents, can easily see that it's the ticket for future success. NOBODY sends kids to school hoping they won't learn English. Second, there is good research on this subject. English immersion works. In fact,if success is defined as becoming fully literate in English, it is fact, SECOND best method to use. Students in true bilingual programs out-perform their immersion-program peers in English, show better skills and more retention of their native languages, and keep up better with all those other state standards they are required by law to be taught (Math, anyone? Science? History?). One problem with these anecdotal assessments ("...the school down the street...") is that it is deceptively easy to become conversational at a casual, playground, buy-something-at-the-store kind of level. Research indicates that this usually takes 3-5 years. To be able to function at an academic level is a different matter, usually taking 5-7 years. Try taking a course at UNAM or writing an academic paper in Spanish sometime! And, of course, horror stories abound about students not prepared for college-level English. This is NOT a problem unique to Spanish speakers! (But that's another topic!)

Actually, I don't think it's possible to truly understand the strengths and limitations of your own language unless you have another to compare it to! In Spanish, I am frequently frustrated by the limited number of nouns available to describe the world, compared to English (the world's largest language). Spanish, on the other hand, offers finely shaded verb nuances that are totally unavailable in English. How rich is the student who has access to both! Bilingual people can think things that monolinguals cannot.

Finally, if you are one of those who really are offended by having neighbors who speak Spanish, why do you want to be living here on the border? It seems like a curious choice.

Yes, I am a teacher (not in a bilingual classroom). I recently had a class with 13 languages spoken at home, and this in one of the highest performing schools in the state. We are richer for having these people!

Laura wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:08 AM:I have read through all the comments, but I wounder how many of you are truly remember what it was like to be in school. I am a junior in college and I have studied French, Spanish, and of course my native tongue English for multiple years. If you were to sit in on any foreign language course you would find the technique of "immersion" being implemented. This means that the majority of the course is conducted in the foreign language the minimal to no English. However, this is only to learn a language. We are not learning how to do math, study geography, perform scientific experiments. I wouldn't expect any child to excel in an English only classroom when they don't know the language and obviously won't be able to get help from the parents.

Vanessa J. wrote on Nov 15, 2008 2:28 PM:The comments that everyone had posted for proposition 227. I'm in between the whole English-only language inside the classroom and the option to have English/Spanish together. Both are great ways for students to learn the language, but what is more important in our schools that we really need to focus on for our kids. I had previous worked at an Elementary school, where the school had an English-only class and this class was only for students were not succeeding in the English language. The only problem for the students was that the teachers felt it was better for them to be taught in an English-only classroom. Some of these students would leave their classroom and go to their English-only classroom for 15-30 minutes of practicing the language. This is a great idea but some of these student’s parents never had the option to make that choice for their son or daughter. It’s true that many parents are not choosing the right option for their child, but the parents know what is best for their child. I think if I was that child that didn't speak the English language, I would try to get my parents to think about what they are doing for my future before I get put into a English-only class.

P wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:33 PM:A lot of the responses posted here argue that we must teach our children to speak English so they are prepared to succeed in U.S. mainstream society. I agree that students should learn English if they live in the U.S. since it appears to be the most common language spoken. However, here's the problem I have in supporting English Only points of view:
This perspective is giving the message that everyone in the U.S. should only speak English and those who are successful in life only speak English.

Well, I am sorry to let all of you assimilators know that in high school, learning a foreign language (at least 2 years enrolled in a course) is one of the requirements for students in high school to be accepted into a CSU or UC system for a higher education. Hmm, why are these requirements in place do you ask? Is it because of the increasing diversity in the U.S. population?? (Attn Scooter) Is it because the top two languages by population in the world are Chinese and Spanish respectively (Summer Institute for Linguistics (SIL) Ethnologue Survey, 1999)?? Or is it because employers look for bilingual employees who do speak two languages???

The goal for bilingual education IS for students to learn their primary language AND ENGLISH!! To address Jack, bilingual educators will never lose their jobs because of people like you who need to be educated about appropriately serving the children who are in our public schools: White, Black, Latino, Chinese, English-speaking, Arabic-speaking, those with disabilities, ALL CHILDREN!!!!

J5 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 2:43 PM:Learning English should never have to mean that you must assimilate. Assimilating is neglecting your own culture, which includes language, for another. I say acculturating and holding on to both languages is best option. I can't tell you how many time I hear about kids getting scolded for speaking their primary language. This not they way schools should teach English. It's necessary to incorporate primary language in the classroom otherwise feedback will be at a minimum and both students and teachers will become frustrated creating a sense of blocking on both ends.

In terms of the benefits of knowing a second language. I can't tell you how many times being bilingual has served as an asset for me in this country. That's probably why counties around the world teach English on top of the dominant language.

Ve wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:19 PM:I read most of the comments and one thing I would like to touch on is going back on what Laura said, learning a different language is hard and even harder when applying it to math, social studies, and science. I was a student in ESL during elementary and an ELD student during middle school and these programs really helped me overcome my struggles. Like (Dr.Cholo) I was also pulled out of my regular classes during elementary once a day in order to get additional help comprehending English in social studies and other subjects.

Becoming a bilingual student is hard especially if you don’t have the support at home. My parents only spoke Spanish. So, whenever I needed help understanding the homework it became a challenge. Therefore, I believe it can become difficult for a child to learn English in one year at the same pace as others and at the same time apply it for the rest of their subjects, without bilingual education support. It is important that the child is exposed to the language at an early age; there’s no doubt about it, but it can become even more effectively if the child is supported.

Bilingual classes became a huge resource for me, in fact the only one, that’s why it’s difficult for me to understand that a student can learn the language in one year. English is the language that we use every day in our life that is why it’s important that we keep the bilingual classes so that students can learn English effectively rather than like (F2) said “to throw children into the ocean without teaching them how to swim.” And expecting every child to learn at the same pace is a very difficult process each child learns differently and by pushing them into a level they are not comfortable in will only pull them back.

I really encourage everyone before making a decision on prop 227 to speak with students who have been in the programs and ask of their experiences and what they think of the prop 227, and the impact that bilingual classes have had on their educational and life experiences.

Cailee D. wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:22 PM:My response to the blogs on the Proposition 227 Conference are still the same as what I had concluded when I first read the full Prop 227 text in class. I found that a significant number of bloggers shared my overall view that basically Proposition 227 is unrealistic and while the idea of it is beneficial, the enactment of it is the opposite. Although Prop 227 does have some perks, like giving parents a choice of what classes they want their children in and trying to teaching immigrant children a vital language, like English, as quick as possible, ultimately the proposition is not working. Test scores are misleading and are not an accurate way to measure the language levels of students. I believe in immersion programs, in bilingual education, and that classes should not be strictly English only. Every student learns differently, therefore different approaches must be taken to meet the unique educational needs of students. It should not be time efficiency in learning English that matters most, but quality efficiency. It is ignorant to believe that learning English as quick as possible is a good goal to set. I believe in structured, organized, and careful language instruction so as to ensure the quality of education going out there, no matter how long it takes a student to master the subject.

Pati wrote on Nov 26, 2008 9:20 AM:As a former bilingual-ed student the importance of bilingual-ed hits close to home. I believe that every student learns differently and while some students might benefit from immersion there are others who need the billingual-ed method. I agree with Lu in that many of our students have zero English and would not benefit from a class where all instruction is in English.

Cristina C wrote on Nov 26, 2008 11:09 AM:Proposition 227 is a topic that must be looked at from a much deeper perspective. From an outer perspective, Proposition 227 seems to be the best way for students who are trying to learn English. Simply place them in a classroom, where English is strictly and only spoken, and then, they will learn how to speak, write, and understand English. But this is not the case. It is like throwing a person into a marathon race that has not received any prior training or practice for the race. How do you expect them to win…in this case, learn English? From looking at closer perspective, to truly be able to teach students ways to master English, schools and educators must slowly transition the new language from the mother language. In bilingual classes, educators can communicate with students and explain grammar and speech about English in Spanish to help them master the language.…rather than simply sitting clueless in a classroom where only English is spoken and have no idea what’s going on. In order for an ESL student to succeed in school, they must first learn how to transition their language to then be able to achieve in the content subjects and material. English isn’t an easy language to learn. I personally come from Hispanic roots, and my family, who has lived here for countless years, still asks questions as to have the proper pronunciation of a word. If adults are struggling to speak English, imagine children. Elementary school students are learning the foundation of proper grammar, reading comprehension, writing, etc. This process is already hard for even English speaking students. Imagine a student who does not speak English, and is expected to simply learn. They have twice a harder job than the English speaking student. Bilingual classes benefit everyone, including English speaking students. It teaches the wonderful world of diversity and tolerance. After all, isn’t American a country made under the idea of being a melting pot? We should embrace different aspects that make our country unique and ‘united’. If it wasn’t this case, then why would millions struggle, fight, or even die to be here? After all, they say that when you are older, it benefits all to be bilingual. Why wouldn’t you want you student to learn two languages to benefit them in the professional world or even in everyday life? Proposition 227 was made with good intentions, but the results are unrealistic, ignorant, and a change is HIGHLY needed towards Bilingual Education in order to better our educational system for ALL.

mari wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:00 PM:As a response to all of these opinions, I would have to say that unfortunately not many of you have gone through the actual experience of being an immigrant in a country. My family emigrated from Mexico in what I consider involuntary immigration because external and uncontrollable situations made them leave the country in hope to find more opportunities in the United States. Since I came from Mexico since I was one, learning English was not such a difficult task, but bilingual education really helped and made it easier to make the transition from Spanish to English. Sadly many of the opinions that I have read state that these children should be taught in English because it is the language spoken of this country, but bilingual programs are not designed to teach children in Spanish they are designed to teach them English using their knowledge from their native language to ease the transition. The facts are that many of these children who come from Mexico at older ages are already literate, they know how to read and write they just have to make the transition from one language to another. Now that I have mastered the English language and moved on to college, I have started working in a middle school with the migrant program that is designed to help English learners to be successful in school. Being in the classroom with students who just arrived to the country and do not know anything about the language is frustrating because many of the students know the material and can do the work if they only knew the questions and could understand the information given to them. It is a waste of resources, money and time to have a student attend school and sit there with a blank face because nothing is being understood. Yes, many students who have the determination begin to learn English on their own and quickly grab on to key vocabulary that helps them, but meanwhile they have already wasted three months sitting there trying to figure out what the teacher is saying. Sadly, not every student has the same determination and many just close off from learning because they do not want to keep trying and failing. Having gone through the education system as a student and now as a tutor involved with migrant education programs, bilingual education seems to be the only logical reason behind successful migrant students. By bilingual education I do not mean teaching them in Spanish, instead it should be teaching them English using the previous knowledge and language that they already have. By trying to assimilate them completely to this country and erasing their previous knowledge and language is not leaving the students more prepared to succeed in this country, instead it is harming them by having them think in a closed minded way in which English is the only way. Lastly I would have to say that IDEA kb, has no idea how the majority of English learners have to struggle in this country, if they are immigrants from another country and have come here looking for a better life, it is only logical that they do not have the economic means to pay for a private tutor. One other thing, I am glad to think that IDEA kb would have the time or that she would be whiling to take time and money to learn Spanish before taking a class in Mexico, but I am sure that for thousands of Mexican families who have to leave their country would rather use that time and money for food and shelter for their loved ones. I would make sure that my loved ones had the basic needs before having the privilege to learn another language DUH!

beth wrote on Nov 26, 2008 11:38 PM:I can agree with certain statements said in this article as well as comments made by others. Although proposition 227 can appear to be the ideal way of teaching English to ESL learners, most can agree that it is not the best solution. In my perspective, proposition 227 is a way to check off items on the English language checklist. Student can make subject plural-check! student can make phrase past tense-check! but can students apply it to life? To education? By using a bilingual classroom rather than strictly English only classroom, students will be able to naturally adapt to a new language. English only classrooms that proposition 227 uses, teaches English that is based on standards, but as Stephen Krashen stated, “Standardized test scores are a poor way to judge whether a teaching method works”. I grew up in an elementary school that had bilingual classes for ESL students. In junior high I noticed that some of my classmates were those students in the bilingual classes in my elementary, speaking perfect English, giving a presentation on the solar system. I have to agree that we going about the wrong way with proposition 227, it has to change.

Ashley wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:23 AM:In order to improve an English learner in the classroom, I feel that mainstreaming English learner students is the most effective method. Significant usage of the native language is part of the solution, not part of the problem. Simply forcing English learners to adhere immediately to English-language instruction would be disadvantageous to their learning process since they would most likely become overwhelmed and frustrated. Meta-analyses have shown that bilingual education has a positive effect on students' learning.

LifeuStudent wrote on Nov 29, 2008 6:21 PM:As a college student that has read lots of statements from both sides of the argument, I have to agree with the last couple and a few of the very articulated authors who support bilingual education, who are very lucky to know more than one language and write their comments a heck of a lot better than those that only speak one language. We need to reform it, b/c it's not working. I have been fortunate enough to travel to other countries, and be exposed to other languages, and I wish I knew spoke fluently. But I feel that as an American I have been let down by our school systems. Only two years of Spanish class has done nothing for me, I wish it was mandated at an earlier age, b/c I feel it would have put me in more of an advantageous position in my life. Kids will overcome all sorts of language barriers if we don't implement it now, why hinder the future by constraining the limits that they can overcome. We already know we can do anything we put our minds to, let's set the goals high!

Rachel wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:09 PM:The simple fact is that bilingual education is failing English language learners. We can choose to allocate resources to bringing these children to full English proficiency, or we can divert them later to dealing with the problems faced and created by the LEP children whom our educational system has failed. I think a lot of the people that have responded to this article have lost sight of the fact that English is not our official language. English is a bastardization of many older languages, and wouldn’t exist were it not for all these older cultures. Much like our country wouldn’t exist were it not for immigrants showing up with nothing to offer the existing society. Throughout U.S. history, we have had immigrant groups coming here and being forced to assimilate at the cost of their native languages and customs, even being made to change their names. And throughout history these immigrants have faced problems that eventually became the concern of society at large. If we truly have the best interests of the students at heart, we as a society will examine the issue of bilingual education and push for a more productive solution, which will benefit us all.