In recent weeks the battle over “English” in Massachusetts has heated up considerably, with several competing bills introduced into the State Legislature.
Unfortunately, although these measures are likely either to fail or to change nothing, no critical mass of credible local supporters—educators or immigrant parents—has yet been willing to publicly come forth in support of an initiative effort, making it difficult for me to become involved, and the deadline for the 2002 ballot is fast approaching. As one of America’s most liberal Democratic states, with among the earliest and most extreme bilingual education policies, a change in Massachusetts could have national implications.
As the last article below, a front-page article from the Chicago Tribune indicates, immigrant students actually succeed quite well in “bilingual” programs—so long as all the instruction is in English!
- Bill Would Overhaul Bilingual Education
Boston Globe, Monday, May 21, 2001 - Rapid-immersion English needs strong local support
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Tuesday, May 22, 2001, FRONT PAGE - For genuine reform, just end bilingual ed by John Silber
Boston Herald, Tuesday, May 22, 2001 - Bilingual class soars with help of the Bard
Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, May 29, 2001, FRONT PAGE