parental opinions?

Question

I got a letter from my sons' school district, informing us that thier school had not passed 1 of the 21 sets of criteria it needs to be considered an "A" school. That one was regarding Englsih learners. I guess it means our school didn't teach English to it's non-English speakers well enough for them to test well and, as a result, our school has dropped in status. This really bugged me. In addition to this news, we are being given the option to transfer to another school, if we choose. Since the school passed on everything else, I don't think my sons' will be moving, but I'm not sure. My oldest one will be going to junior high next year, so I'm not as concerned about him (he did say he has 3 kids in his class that don't speak English.). My 3rd grader though concerns me. Would you consider moving your kids due to your school's failure to teach English to the non-English speakers even though they are suceeding on all the other accedemic fronts?

Answer 1

No because it should be up to the parents of the non English speaking children to make sure that they learn English. Why should your tax dollars be spent to teach children of immigrants to speak English. I know this will come with lots of angry comments but it is our responsibility to teach our children how to speak. If I were in Germany I would not expect the schools there to teach my child German. That's my responsibility. Not the citizens of a country that I decided to move to. My grandfather is an immigrant and learned English on his own. My grandmother can to the US when she was 7 from Hungry. She also taught herself and her siblings to speak English. Why do people now think it is the responsibility of the schools to do the job parents are supposed to do.

So to answer your question no I would not worry about that and I would leave my child where he is.

Answer 2

I would consider it. What does that tell you when the teachers/principals don't really care how caught up the non-English speaking children are? The teachers at that school have a responsibility to teach those children English and obviously they either can't or don't want to do it. I would check around with different schools. Tour a few and maybe your son will be excited about switching. Also just because they passed on the other 20 sets of criteria doesn't mean they passed by much. Anyway, good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

I would condsider it, however as an ex- English as a second language teacher I can tell you it doesnt really portray the school's ability to teach your sons properly. I quit because I had a very difficult time teching ESL students. They were frustrated learning a new language while trying to work or trying to help their families find work, and they were usually sent back a grade or two when they got here. My general experience (although there are certainly some exceptions) is that ESL students don't WANT to be there, don't want to be learning English, and are frustrated with the whole system. It should be assesed seperately or as a continuing education aspect of the school unless the students are very young. The children enrolled with your 3rd grader will have a better chance of catching up, but remember it is a totally different classroom atmosphere. Take tours of other local schools casually and if something really catches your eye, transfer one or more of your children. But do it because of something extra the other school has to offer, not just because of the ESL program in your sons' school. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 4

I wouldn't look at those results and base my childs education on them instead I would look at my son and see how HE is doing. Has he learned what you feel he should be learning? Can he read do the math and english can he spell age appropriate things like that. If he is doing ok and where he should be then the teachers are doing their job and his education is secure. It isn't fair to judge a school because kids that live in non-english speaking homes are not learning the english language. A child is only in school what 40 hours a week that means the other 128 hours a week they are at home hearing their native language. I know I am going to get blasted for this but I feel if you are going to be in this country you need to know the language and use it your native language then becomes your second one. Your son is in third grade he is old enough to know if he feels he isn't learning so talk to him and give him an opinion in this as well. Moving him to another school will mean he is leaving friends and having to make new ones which can be traumatic to a child.

Answer 5

I'd look closely at all the other areas and see how they compare to the other schools. If the other areas are all comparable then I would try not to move him. Kids who switch schools a lot often have problems keeping up. If the school is doing well in other areas, it's good to keep him in the same school if possible.

Answer 6

No, I dont really think its the kids fault, this would be traumatic for the kiddos, are they making good grades, my question is how are these non english speaking kids in an english speaking class, How do they work or do assignments if they dont know english...hmmm;;

I wouldnt change it sounds like you still have your kids in a good school...Maybe adress this problem with the principal.

Answer 7

I put my daughter in a private Christian school due to the lack of a quality and safe education in the public schools. If that is not practical another option is a charter school or another public school. The advantage of the school he is in is that if they would help him speak Spanish (I assume is the 2nd language) he would become bilingual which would be very beneficial in later life.

Answer 8

... it would depend on the other schools. Might be a better idea to keep your kids where they are and spend a little family time playing Scrabble or some other activity that would help fill in the gaps.... This would allow your children to stay with their friends and give you quality time with them

Answer 9

no , honestly I wouldn't move him... I would be thankful for all the other things being taught passing and be glad that they are doing what they can do for our kids... I'm sure the teachers arent just slacking on the job I mean they did pass on EVERYTHING else ... so they have to be doing something right... give them a chance

Answer 10

Absolutely not. If your children know english, then leave them there. Also, because of the failing score, I'm sure new programs will be implemented immediately.