While Obama and McCain slug it out on the national stage, voters in individual states are considering legislation that could have widespread repercussions. In the first of a special election series, Opposing Views examines Oregon’s Measure 58, a proposal that would require “English immersion” in Oregon public schools while limiting foreign language instruction. Do English immersion laws help or harm students? Figure out where you stand now; your state may be next. (Editor's Note: On November 4th, Oregon voters rejected Measure 58)
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Oregonians for Immigration Reform Urge a Yes Vote on Measure # 58
2 years isn't enough to learn academic language
Being immersed in English is great for learning English, it's lousy for learning math, social studies, science or any course with CONTENT.
It takes more than 2 years of English language learning to be able to do academic work in English. By limiting education opportunities for children who don't speak English (including many LEGAL residents), we lower the standards for all students. Teachers can't teach when many of the students don't know the vocabulary or complex language that it takes to understand math, science and other subjects vital to our national future.
- LinearMom
October 7, 2008 8:48PM
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Side: No
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Where did you come up with this?
I happen to know many scientists and engineers from foreign countries, and almost universally, they have had to learn English to be able to get their degrees, much less function as professionals.
It does NOT take more than 2 years to become functionally literate. If there is a problem with learning a language, likely there is a problem with education and a students capacity to learn as well.
I majored in Chemistry, and to a man in the field, only the less competent faild the German classes needed to be able to read the German literature. By the way, it only took one semester of German, to be functional.
It really comes down to a few simple ideas.
1. If you want to live in France, learn French.
2. If you don't want to have to learn German, don't put yoursef in the situation that requires having to KNOW German to be functional.
3. If you choose to live in a Foreign country, expect your children to end up learning the language. You are NOT protecting them from anything by resisting their education in that language.
Your blank assertion that it requires more than 2 years, indicates that you have no knowledge on this subject at all.
- tomcat2200
October 17, 2008 2:18PM
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Side: Yes
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