Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id UAA11945; Tue, 11 Nov 1997 20:39:43 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 1997 20:39:43 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <l03110708b08dc0c17c50@[204.48.132.12]> Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Zulmara Cline <evenstrt@fillmore.sbceo.k12.ca.us> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:1499] Re: CATESOL'S home page X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Status: RO Content-Length: 2018 Lines: 38 I have been reading with interest the issues and concerns being raised on the UNZ initiative. Interestingly, enough in my teacher preparation classes, future teachers were asking why we are having this discussion and why aren't we just teaching two languages in a dual immersion class. Parents are wondering the same thing, especially parents of English-Only children. I would have to agree that we are in a heated political debate that is racially motivated. I too am concerned about the similarities with Hitler's tactics. The use of creating a common enemy and misinformation is scary. It is obvious by reading the initiative that UNZ did some of his homework, and realized that the failure in many bilingual programs is in the implementation,but he fails to understand the educational issues involved in immersion, which even in the best of scenarios, is not a one year or even three year program. The best of immersion programs were designed to be five or six year programs with biliteracy as the goal at the end of the program, not transition, thus creating a very different type of program and instructional background. As educators, parents, and interested citizens continue the debate, we must look for the silver lining in the UNZ intiative and focus on the opportunity that this now brings us to look at some of the bilingual programs that have been implemented and say enough is enough--we are going to settle for nothing less than quality programs that bring our children into the 21st century as well adjusted world citizens. A Spanish initiative may not be a bad idea. In the meantime, I am greatful that UNZ has at least forced such a high quality dialogue within the ESL and bilingual communities. The time is right to revisit the best of the programs and clean-up the ones that are not so great, now that we have almost 30 years of research and experience to draw upon. Thanks to all of you for the insightful discussions. Zee Cline Even Start Coordinator Lompoc Unified School District
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