English Language?

Question

I came across a post from a woman who was complaining about the mix of races in her childs school. In addition there was a post about Brighter English speaking children being drug down by children who didnt speak English.
Actually it has nothing to do with parenting, I simply had a hunch that by being in the "parenting" section it would acquire more than a passing glance. I am an American, for what its worth and speak, I suppose what is considered "American English".
It just seemed to me that this woman who worried over the nationalities that her child would come into contact with, and the woman who worried about the neglect she assumed that would befall children who spoke English that are obviously "brighter" students.
I speak and write quite well, although I have no High School nor College education, and have only one year to my education in Jr High School aka Middle School; 7th grade to be exact, and that is the extent of my education. Amazing that people can show such ignorance.

Answer 1

What's the question?

Answer 2

I don't think this mother was worried about nationalities and races, but more concerned about her childs education being affected by the situation. I myself speak both spanish and english. My son who is now 5 years old speaks mainly english but I still talk to him in spanish as well as his grandparents. He understands a little but he isn't fluent in speaking or understanding the spanish language He is in kindergarten now and is in a class where there are children that do not speak english at all, and who's parents don't speak english either. I myself, as a spanish speaking parent am also concerned about his education. Upon meeting his teacher on the first day of school, she instantly struggled to speak to me in spanish. I told her I spoke english and she didn't have to struggle since I understood her. About 2 1/2 weeks later for Back To School Night, I found out that my son's teacher didn't even know that he spoke english! How is that possible?? Spending over 6 hours with him for that whole period of time. She laughed and said that she thought he spoke spanish and that would explain why he didn't seem to do what he was told to do. He didn't understand! From my stand point, as a mother, this does concern me. I feel that if we live in a community where there is such a large number of spanish speaking children, that they need to be better prepared, better organized so that other children's education doesn't end up being negatively affected. Afterall the pre-k years and elementary years are the foundation of their educational careers. It is the schools responsibility to make sure that "everyone" gets the correct level of education they deserve.

Answer 3

In my local high school we have children that speak 43 different languages. This is due in large part to the number of immigrant families that have come here to work in the two local casinos. Having more diversity in the school has not decreased the level of education,it has increased the cost since we have to spend some money for English as a second language instructors.The new students add to the experience of the kids,and in some cases they are class leaders,especially in math and science.

Answer 4

You do happen to write better than a lot of people with more education. However, I'm not clear on what your question is.

I don't happen to agree with anyone worried that exposure to a multitude of nationalities would be a detriment to their children. Regardless of the language spoken though, brighter kids do get the shaft in a public school classroom. Teachers are forced to teach to the lowest common denominator and the bright kids get bored and neglected all the time. I rarely got the sort of challenge in the classroom that I needed and teachers had to farm me out to the lower grades to tutor or stick me in a corner with a "special project" in order to spend their time with the kids that were stuggling.

Answer 5

Well I can tell you where I'm from, Northern California, we have a lot of children who don't speak English and when they start kindergarten the other kids suffer because the teacher is too busy trying to teach the other kids English. My newhew just started kindergarten and the teacher told my siser to not send him to her class because it would be a waste of his time since half the class wont speak English. My sister had his transferred to another school. I dont think that's fair at all. It's a major reason why American children are so behind kids in other countries.

Answer 6

I was blessed as one of those people who hardly opened a book and could still get good grades. I was bored in school and I too think it sucks that teachers are forced to teach to the lowest level as opposed to being able to challenge to minds of others. My mom was called into a conference about me not doing my work when I was in 1st grade. My teacher gave me failing grades for not doing my classwork. My mom asked her if it was because I needed help in certain subjects or what she thought the problem was. The teacher told her that I didnt need any extra help because I could show the others who didnt understand how to do the work but refused to do mine. My mother took it to the principal and I was put in a pull-out program that taught harder lessons in the same subject.

Answer 7

Or, alternately, your child could learn an incredible lesson in communication: i.e. we don't have to speak the same language to communicate and get along.
My nephew was 5 years old when a boy who spoke abolutely no Engish was put in his class. He was planning a b-day party with his mom and told her he wanted this boy at the party. His mom (my sister) said "But you never play with him, he doesn't speak any English" and my nephew said "No, he doesn't" and my sister asked "Does he have any friends? Isn't it hard for him?". and my nephew answered "Yes, it's hard for him, he doesn't have too many friends." And my sister said: "Well, I guess the kids in the class should be more understanding and try and help him make friends."
To which my nephew answered, "Yes, like by inviting him to my birthday party."

Answer 8

ummmmm are you aware that in your being judgmental of someone else's posting that you yourself have shown ignorance in not asking a question? Maybe you can't read very well or comprehend the meaning of this board?

Answer 9

You know I agree. Her child probably never complained about it . It's sad you know most children learn prejudice from their parents that is sad and ignorant.

Answer 10

"dragged down".

Yes, all Americans should speak American English.


I prefer that Spanish or other foreigh language not be on ANY government form.

Answer 11

Arabic is your friend; so why still I feel I couldnt accept a country based on Islam?