Proposition 227, passed in June 1998, by a 61 to 39 vote, effectively ended bilingual education programs in the state of California. These programs were replaced with an English immersion program.
I will admit I do not have enough information that I would feel confident casting a vote ( after all 61 out of the 39 congress persons who did cast a vote, in a state that leans democrat,voted in favor of the proposition), however here is my opinion:
Full immersion, while it can be effective in helping a person learn the local language, is not something I am for when it comes to the education of children and adolescents in schools. I believe it is better to think of the big picture.
This includes first helping the new student to feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. A student who is helped to acclimate to the school first, will blossom with their own unique personality and gift once they feel safe and a little more familiar in their new environment. For instance, knowing a few people they can sit with at lunch and having a fellow student, who speaks their native language, walk them from class to class and introduce them to a friendly person in each of their classes, as well as to the teacher. Taking a few extra days to help the student feel comfortable will pave the way for better academic success. This system would have the added benefit of developing a sense of community and developing the character of the students chosen to help the new student develop friends.
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