Teachers' removal exposes bilingual program's woes
Highly qualified are hard to come by, district finds
By Laura Snider, Daily Camera
Published May 26, 2008 at 11:45 p.m.
The removal of three teachers from Angevine Middle School's dual-language program has prompted concerns from Hispanics and exposed a broader dilemma of how teachers can meet the needs of native English- and Spanish-speaking students alike.
Administrators at the Lafayette middle school changed the responsibilities of three staff members, including an exchange teacher from Boulder's sister city in Mexico, with just weeks left in the school year.
All the teachers remain employed with the school district until school ends Thursday, but none are working solely in the school's bilingual program.
The changes come amid parent concerns about teacher communication, classroom control and a slump in student enthusiasm for the program, according to minutes from a February community meeting about the program.
Now members of the Hispanic community are concerned that the sole Mexican teacher, whom they see as a positive role model for their children, was singled out unfairly because she speaks little English.
Some Hispanic parents question whether an English-speaking teacher who struggled with Spanish would be treated the same way.
Several of these parents have enlisted the help of the school district's Multi-Ethnic Action Coalition Committee to advocate for their children and to help facilitate better communication between school officials and Hispanic parents.
"The concern that MEACC has is that teachers are being recruited to come and work at Boulder Valley schools from Mexico and they come highly qualified and their contracts are not renewed for whatever reason," said Richard Garcia, who co-chairs the committee.
Bilingual programs, which teach core classes such as science and social studies in two languages, have become more popular over the past decade, but the supply of highly qualified bilingual teachers hasn't kept up with demand.
Angevine's program is meant to be a continuation of the bilingual program at Pioneer Elementary, but finding teachers who can speak both Spanish and English as well as teach another subject at the middle-school level is difficult.
"Staffing is the biggest challenge for secondary-level dual-language programs throughout the U.S.," said Mim Campos, who will coordinate Angevine's revamped bilingual program beginning in the fall. "It's a constant challenge."
Such a challenge, in fact, that Angevine may no longer offer science classes in Spanish for seventh- and eighth-graders.
To help fill the gaps, some bilingual schools have begun recruiting teachers from Spanish-speaking countries.
In Boulder, the Mante Sister Cities Committee has helped facilitate a teacher exchange, twice placing science teachers at Angevine.
"We really, really want these great role models for our students," Campos said. "But you are plopping them into completely different expectations, and it is an extremely challenging thing."
The question is how much responsibility the school district has in helping these exchange teachers to succeed.
In the case of Petrita Perez-Almazon, this year's science teacher from Mante, Mexico, the help offered by the district wasn't enough.
Perez-Almazon, who could not be contacted by phone or e-mail last week, speaks little English and has limited command of technology.
"She needs to be assisted with her computer skills," said Norris Hermsmeyer, president of the Mante Sister Cities Committee. "Parents have gotten used to the fact that they can go online and get information about their children."
The district's online program, called Infinite Campus, allows parents to check on their students' grades and see whether they've missed any assignments.
School officials may not comment specifically on personnel issues, but the vice principal did acknowledge that computer skills were part of the problem in Perez-Almazon's case, as was her ability to communicate with parents.
"One of the conclusions is that they want a science teacher who is totally bilingual," said Hermsmeyer.
A community meeting about the future of Angevine Middle School's bilingual program is scheduled for Wednesday.
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May 27, 2008
6:46 a.m.
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yeastyc writes:
No racism, no offense, the key term being "bilingual"--new teachers don't get renewed all of the time when the don't fit the needs of the school, especially the needs of the students! These kids need to learn curriculum and English so they don't fall behind--again "bilingual" is the key term.
May 27, 2008
8:08 a.m.
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alwaysright writes:
Any one that wants to live in America Should read & speak english.
How they learn it is up to them. I don't think I should have to pay for it.
No one paid for me to learn other languages when I traveled over seas.
May 27, 2008
8:10 a.m.
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Sue writes:
Native English-speaking students? That would be - ah - citizens?? Let's get real. We're doing no one a favor here by boxing Spanish-speaking students in a program that prevents them the impetus for learning the native language of this country---ENGLISH. The politically correct tone of our country is going to ruin this country and then where do we go?
May 27, 2008
8:21 a.m.
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blondiearvada writes:
I was an Angevine parent, and all three of my kids were at this middle school. Let me tell you how grading works at this school. A non-english speaking student sits next to an English speaking student and basically copies their work, including tests. then the papers are graded and the non-English speaking students get better grades that the English speaking students. I know this for a fact because my kids were friends of a few of those students, and came to my house after school and I saw the grades with my own eyes. this is how the school district helps these students to succeed.
May 27, 2008
8:40 a.m.
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buzzman writes:
Allright is allright---the spanish speakers can learn english after schooland we should not have to payfor it.. Kitchen table spanish and kitchen table english --both a failure
May 27, 2008
8:41 a.m.
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SanctuaryCity writes:
Why should my tax dollars be spent on speaking mex. Time to try english. If you want to speak mex, head south and get your 1st grade education.
May 27, 2008
9:25 a.m.
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Mtn__Gator writes:
If you want to enjoy the Bill of Rights or our Constitution, you better be able to read it in the language it was written in!! Enough said...
May 27, 2008
9:59 a.m.
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psu96 writes:
ignorance at its best.
blondiearvada, you are so clueless about IDEA, IEP laws etc...
May 27, 2008
10:15 a.m.
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blondiearvada writes:
You don't know me, so keep your comments about what you think I know or do not know to yourself psu96.
May 27, 2008
10:36 a.m.
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tremenda writes:
My teaching certificate expired 1983. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. Try bending over backwards to accomodate me for a change. That is, if you'd rather employ a nearly 57 year old Colorado native rather than go outside the country for help. Aren't rules made to be broken? Can't you make an exception for me in order to help and be helped at the same time? When I returned from teaching English in Venezuela in 1976, Jefferson County Public schools refused to pay me for that experience. Could that be a reason our schools suffer now in terms of lacking qualified teachers? You can bet that's why my teaching certificate lapsed.
May 27, 2008
10:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
I didn't speak a word of English when I started Kindergarten. There was NO English Emersion or bi-lingual program.
As a result I speak perfect, unaccented English, except sometimes people hear a slight, New York accent.
I have nieces in Miami who went into the bi-lingual program because my idiot step brother wanted them to "retain their culture."
As a result, they sound like they just got off the boat.
They don't speak English well or Spanish well.
DITCH ALL BI-LINGUAL PROGRAMS. IT STALLS THE KIDS!
May 27, 2008
10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
thebruisedreed writes:
Bilingual education ensures that the elitists will always have a steady supply of day workers, maids and gardeners. Since these kids will graduate high school basically illiterate, they will be unable to qualify for any type of job.
It also holds back the education of the English speakers in the class. My 3 kids moved to a new school and had to be in bilingual classes. All of their classes were consistently two years behind the English speaking classes they attended previously. Why should my children's education be hindered to educate the children of another country in this on illegally?
Bi-lingual education has been proven a failure in the US. The folks in charge just don't want to look at it honestly. They don't want to appear bigoted so instead they appear ignorant.
I find it funny that children in German schools that learn English speak it better than the "graduates" of our bilingual program.
May 27, 2008
11:16 a.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Did I get that right? In 7th or 8th grade they couldn't speak or understand English? How long have they been in the US? Sounds like illegals to me. Why should we give a s*&t? Let's focus on the problem. Illegal immigration. If that's fixed this bilingualism ceases to be an issue. This, in itself, would save American taxpayers billions. Right???
Keep your eye on the ball.
May 27, 2008
11:54 a.m.
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k0co_5k0co_5 writes:
Wow, did anyone notice these two sentences in same article?:
.....this year's science teacher from Mante, Mexico
She needs to be assisted with her computer skills....
A science teacher needs remedial computer training to be able to answer her email?!? Sounds like a great program; I need people to mow my lawn and bus tables at restaurants I go to. Glad to see the supply of uneducated low-cost labor will continue for some time, thanks to ill-founded programs like this.
May 27, 2008
11:59 a.m.
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roger44 writes:
Sure hope there are some school board members who read these comments. I sure agree with most, if an immigrant comes to a country they should learn that countries language. When are our politicians going to start paying attention to the majority of citizens who want English declared the official language?
May 27, 2008
12:03 p.m.
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NotYours writes:
Ask any immigrant anywhere in the world -- it's nearly impossible to be successful in your 'new country' without speaking the predominant language. Other languages, especially English, are generally taught in foreign public schools -- but there is a predominant SINGLE language used to educate the children in a given country.
So you're frustrated? You're constantly wondering "what the hell are they doing?" about public schools and officials?
DE-UNIONIZE PUBLIC EDUCATION
May 27, 2008
12:19 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
If you don't like the system then go back to mexico.Maybe you will find life there more to your liking.I guess not since all of mexico is crime ridden and drug infested.Also why change our country to suit your needs.You need to change yourselves to suit our needs.This is my country my family has served in every major war not to become the cash cow for mexico.These people are a drain on our system.America love it or leave it.That means if you don't like us then why stay.Probably the free healthcare and food stamps and welfare is my guess.Do us all a favor go back to where you came from.Then maybe you will be happy dodging the drug kingpins and dope addicts.Thanks for bringing dope into our country,that really helps us all to live a better life.Hope I.C.E finds you and gives you an all expense paid vacation in mexico.
May 27, 2008
12:26 p.m.
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jules writes:
Thanks for the interesting comments so far. I also have a few to share. First, a bilingual program creates bilingual people and that's a good thing. All of the Hispanic dual language Angevine students speak English and Spanish very well. There are also Anglo students in the program that can speak both English and Spanish (go figure...white, bilingual people in Lafayette??). Second, a foreign language class does not make you bilingual, not even close. Most of the people who have commented so far have, I'm sure, taken foreign language at some point and probably could barely ask someone the time of day in that language, let alone talk about science or politics. Angevine students can do both. This is a program that builds intelligent, bilingual, bicultural, critical thinkers.....a new generation to hopefully bring an end to some of the uninformed thinking I've read in the other comments above.
May 27, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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American100 writes:
Uneducated teachers hired to teach our kids. Big surprise.
May 27, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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Coco writes:
"Some Hispanic parents question whether an English-speaking teacher who struggled with Spanish would be treated the same way."
Why do I need to know Spanish to teach in the US? If I'm hired to teach in Mexico and I struggle with the language, I SHOULD be fired - obviously I can't do my job.
I, like many others, are sick to death of being expected to bend over backwards to cater to those who come here illegally, refuse to assimilate, and demand that I provide them, with MY money an education, health care, energy assistance etc, etc. ad nauseum.
May 27, 2008
1:02 p.m.
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frontpage writes:
Leave it to our "educated" minds to hire the "unducated"
I think what this really speaks to is the disconnect that many people in higher education don't realize. The "third world" is just that. There people and cultures just do not have the tools required to operate in a truly sophisticated society. People are wrong to think that any level of education in mexico, latin america, Africa or even in south east asia is at any equal to North America or Europe. \This isn't any racial thing. its infrastructure.
May 27, 2008
1:13 p.m.
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HOOK writes:
Come out come out wherever you are! I’m sure any moment now the "if you say anyone should learn English you are a racist" crowd will show up. Why is it so much to ask to speak English is it that hard? Really, what is the big deal?
May 27, 2008
2:30 p.m.
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HOOK writes:
Yeah, now that’s funny, but it’s sad, I can actually see this incompetent teacher filing a lawsuit indicating something along the lines of; oh, she was discriminated against, she deserves a lumpy settlement because the school didn’t get an interpreter!!! Classic, but we need help if this it what it’s all coming to, unfortunately I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.
May 27, 2008
2:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
I see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The politicians who come up for re-election and want to retain their positions do poll.
I foresee political correctness flying out the window very soon, thank goodness.
May 27, 2008
2:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
HOOK writes:
I hope your right American100, I hope your right. We have to make a stand for what is right sometime soon, or we very well possibly could lose it all right from beneath our feet.
May 27, 2008
3:26 p.m.
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jules writes:
I get the anxiety and frustration it seems many on this discussion board feel, but I believe it is based in fear of loss of power and fear of what is different. I like the question above - "how can a person who only speaks one language teach students to speak their language?" Anyone who has REALLY learned another language (not simply how to count to 100 or conjugate a few verbs, but to converse, read, write, etc.) would agree, the only way to learn a language is to learn in that language....that's the idea...learn to communicate in that new language. If a teacher is hired to teach Spanish in Spanish, what is needed is a teacher with native or native-like Spanish skills. I would argue a monolingual Spanish speaker is better to fill that role than a bilingual Spanish/English speaker who has marginal Spanish skills. A native-like speaker of both English and Spanish who is also highly qualified to teach in this country is a rare commodity. We are not a country that values or nurtures bilingualism ...in fact one of the few industrialized countries in the world that does not.
May 27, 2008
4:39 p.m.
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P_Denver writes:
Jules:
"First, a bilingual program creates ...."
You missed one important word:
First, a GOOD bilingual program creates ....
Otherwise: right on!
May 27, 2008
4:58 p.m.
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American100 writes:
Jules said "We are not a country that values or nurtures bilingualism ...in fact one of the few industrialized countries in the world that does not."
Well Jules, maybe that's why we are one of the Super Powers.
May 27, 2008
5:07 p.m.
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American100 writes:
And also, someone said something about fear of losing power or fear of change.
It's not either of those things.
It's that 20 million illegals from impoverished mexico have come here, undocumented, bringing with them disease the USA hasn't seen in decades, crime, illiteracy, and 40% more kids than Americans, kids they can't afford without s u cking our welfare resources and our educational resources.
What you're seeing is resentment turning into organized action against illegals in an effort to:
A. Encourage them to leave peacefully
B. Discourage them from coming here without proper documentation.
May 27, 2008
6:23 p.m.
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natasha writes:
So are people really waking up or have CharlesB, Me2, Anderson etc., just not been paying attention to the posts?
May 27, 2008
8:39 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
I have just one question: What country is Lafayette in????
May 27, 2008
9:24 p.m.
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HOOK writes:
Heidi the city of Laugheytte is in the country of Boulderexico (otherwise known as Boulder county).
May 28, 2008
5:41 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
Hook, ok, now that makes sense!
May 28, 2008
8:25 a.m.
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Alive writes:
I fear change. I fear change from a great, safe nation to a third world, victim coddling, nanny state. Why? Because living in that sort of country is unpleasant. If I wanted to live in such a place I'd move there. But sadly, many well meaning morons seem hell bent to bring it right to my doorstep. Thanks!
May 28, 2008
8:33 a.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
ANOTHER Boulder fiasco turns out to be a complete failure. How is this news?
May 28, 2008
8:39 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
Oh, another question. How did these "educators" get through the screening process? I wonder what their resumes looked like!
May 28, 2008
9:46 p.m.
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Jojo writes:
It is very sad to read these comments. Ignorance is very dangerous. Some facts people should know:
a) Documented and undocumented immigrants pay taxes, so they also are paying for these kinds of programs.
b) The reason why there are many undocumented immigrants from Mexico has a lot to do with the NAFTA agricultural policies (I would not be surprised if the only one that recognizes this acronym and understands this postulate is Jules).
c) The advantage of becoming bicultural cannot be measured immediately. All classroom experiences, from how a social system is described in two different languages, what words and pronouns are used, and the way the teacher directs the class are in themselves learning experiences.
d) Race is just a social construct.
It really saddens me how an educational matter is being infested by racist discourse. Media is so "US-centric" that these programs are vital for kids who cannot afford travelling abroad.
Peace...