The debate about English as a second language programs has existed for some time and has become more of an issue recently as the demographics of classrooms are changing across the country. This highlights the need for maintaining and improving current ESL programs so more students can succeed.
Change is inevitable. As classrooms continue to change, teachers should better adapt to the needs of the students and help them continue in their own personal development and progress. Forcing them to learn English before entering the school system would affect them greatly as speaking in their native tongue plays in to a big part of their development. Which would ultimately have greater consequences later on in their lives as they further their education. Teachers should collaborate better with ESL teachers and families.
Additionally, they should receive more effective training on how to better integrate their classrooms with different levels of language. To require fluency of English can segregate students and potentially lead to social problems within the school and in the students’ progress.
Everyone affected by education needs to be more accepting and open-minded to how nonnative English speakers are seen and received and encourage them to keep learning English and offer help when appropriate so interactions and conversations can be more positive.
Allison Smith
St. George