Tuesday, November 5, 2002

In our public elementary school located in the heart of the barrio of Pilsen, we have started a dual immersion program. According to cognitive science there are benefits to learning more than one language. With a focus on looking at the psycho-social-cultural well being of our latino children, it makes sense for them to maintain thier first langauge which connects them with their parents, elders, and culture. We do not need children losing thier first language and risk suffering further alienation that can lead to deviant behavior. When we look at the direction of where the school should go, we have to seriously listen to the community, the silent majority who are immigrants and who's first language is Spanish. Sorry, my fellow educators, we are GUESTS! Even though I am a Chicano, I am a guest in Pilsen. My academic history is a list of parochial schools and private universities (exception being Cal State LA.) Due the fact that I can speak the King's Engish without an accent ( which is supposed to be a plus in our society), the detractors may say my voice lacks authority on this touchy issue because I am not from Pilsen. True, just as most of the detractors of such a program. Lets cut to the chase. Lets be honest and ask the question, Dear parents, do you want your children to be academically literate in both Spanish and English? Please raise your hands. When our parents signup in Kindergarten, they sign the papers authorizing such services. The question for us as educators, is whether we can all step up to the plate. This entails more collaboration and the need for one another's support during the school day. This means myself included! 7:03:08 AM

© Copyright 2003 Albert Delgado. Last update: 3/29/03; 7:09:29 PM.