I just don’t get it. The video is about whether or not bilingual education should be the way to go for Latino children trying to learn English. Pretty simple premise, yet from the dozens of comments made on NBC Today’s website after the broadcast of this video, most people didn’t get it.
For the majority it’s the same old argument, this is AMERICA (so is México, by the way – and all the other countries in the continents that comprise North and South America) they SHOULD learn ENGLISH.
Samples (excuse the spelling mistakes, but this is exactly how they were written on the website):
Lisa Savage Crown Point NY 12928 says: “AMERICA this is where ENGLISH is the language.
Why should we change? I have no problem with others coming to our country BUT keep it that way our country.”
Mike Ball Stearns,Kentucky says: “Ithink they should be taught in English only. If we went to their country we would be at a disadvantage and they would not make special accomadations for us or childern in their school systems, so why should we accomadate them. If you are going to stay in this country learn to speak English.”
But, who’s talking about NOT learning English? The issue at hand is HOW it should be done. Why is that so difficult to understand. I don’t get it. Maybe they just didn’t watch the report…
Fortunately, some of the comments did talk about the benefits of bilingual education, the importance of knowing two or more language in today’s society.
Samples:
Heather Schild, Chicago, IL: “Not only is bilingual or dual language education important for Latino students, but it is also significant for all students. Who would not be benefitted by learning and knowing two languages from a young age? Not only is it an asset, but it is fair.”
Sarah K., Richmond, VA: “I think that it is a wonderful step forward for American school systems to adopt a bilingual curriculum. This would not only help Latino students reach academic success, but it will help other students broaden their horizons and become more cultured. I attended schools in Fairfax Co., VA and graduated from high school in 2001, I would have loved a bilingual program and think that it would have been a great benefit to me in college and beyond.
Let’s also not forget that the United States does not and has never had an official language.”
In case you’d like to know more about the awesome advantages of dual immerssion education (also known by some as bilingual education), I suggest you first check out this post which gives you a general description. For more specifics on how this system actual works, go here. And, to read about how a specific school district is accomplishing their goal of raising students bilingual in this country, check out this post.
Hopefully, the fact that a major television network is paying attention to this issue, will shed some of the ignorance surrouding this important education aspect.
Ahhh – the joys of this continued debate and the prevailing ignorance of United States citizens who just do not get it. I had my best friend’s new boyfriend say to my face only two weeks ago, “Why do you train teachers on how to teach kids Spanish and English? Our kids need only English, and they better learn it when they move here.”
I did not even give him the time of asking who ‘they’ are because I knew who he meant.
Please let my children grow up surrounded by more open minded peers than my generation has had to deal with.
It’s no wonder our country is behind in academics – we give them no jump start on learning a second language which stimulates early reading skills, advanced cognitive development and higher standardized test scores.
.-= Beth Butler´s last blog ..Fiesta Friday with Boca Beth – Winners Announced and Summer Bilingual Activity Fun =-.
Wow…that’s a strong comment to hear. Specially being said to you that you’re such an advocate of bilingual (Spanish/English) education.
I have a hard time understanding the mentality that if you add one language to the mix you take another one away.
Children will and are learning English, we just advocate for them to have more second language opportunities. To have languages peacefully co-exist together, if you may
This frustrates me as well. I used to teach in a dual language program, and I saw good results for the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students. They were all learning two languages! Isn’t that a good thing.?! Some people just can’t grasp English plus another language as being “American.” I almost get the feeling that some people think that speaking more than one language is not patriotic. Like I’m being a traitor to my country for teaching my child Spanish in our home?
Hopefully, things will continue to change for the better. The more people that have had personal positive experiences with dual language programs, maybe the more support they will get.
LOL..well said!
Let’s create those positive experiences by lovingly teaching our own children a second or more language(s). They will lead by example.
You are all doing such a great job at it already. I’m constantly inspired.
I’m disappointed that the main focus of this debate is often whether or not Spanish/English bilingual education is the best way for Hispanics to be successful in school. While the academic performance of Hispanic youth is an extremely important issue, why does no one speak of the great disadvantage many American children will experience by not being exposed to Spanish language education at an early age? There is virtually no mention of the benefits these dual immersion programs provide for the many native English speakers who participate. In addition to the many cognitive and developmental skills gained by children educated in multiple languages, what parent wouldn’t want to give their child the gift of communicating in as many different languages as possible in this increasingly globalized world? Until the focus of this debate changes and parents realize that their fear is actually depriving their children of a better education, this issue won’t be resolved.
I completely agree with your point. I think the Spanish language issue is just being used for political reasons.
Why deny your children the right to learn a second language, whichever one it may be? Spanish is being debated because it’s the language of the majority number of immigrants at this time and because Latinos are becoming the largest minority. We can’t make decisions about our children’s education based on fears and not facts.
I think the USA should be applauded for its efforts on promoting bilingual education. This type of education opens minds and pulls down the walls of insular thinking. There are many nations in this world, in which children learn two languages and some cases three or four!
Here´s to a bilingual furture!
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