Wow, so much to comment on and so little time!

Steve Sumner wrote:

> That's great that they feel empowered, but are they learning?

Too often today education is about self-esteem first and learning second.
Unfortunately, many people in the public schools don't realize
that learning can help develop self-esteem.

> Functional English understanding must be achieved before attending
> mainstream classrooms,

I agree that English immersion should be the first phase in an ESL
student's education.

> and the parents need to learn and speak English at
> home.  Give these kids a fair chance to be successful!

However, I disagree that parents need to learn English.
I've seen plenty of successful students whose parents don't
speak English and may not even be literate in their own
language, but they are supportive of their children's education.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park


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