Letter: Dual language program is a waste of time

Thursday, July 5, 2001 | 9:09 a.m.

Re the Sun's June 21 article, "Dual language program coming to schools":

The article raises as many questions as it answers.

Kindergarten and first grade pupils at a Clark County school are going to be forced to learn all of their subject matter -- including math -- in both English and Spanish "to develop strong skills in two languages."

Did anyone ask the parents or teachers or taxpayers if they want this program? Who had the final say? Was the Board of Trustees involved in the decision? I suppose we're not supposed to be concerned or upset because the program is funded through a federal grant.

A school district that's already in rotten shape has no business experimenting with a program such as this. It is ludicrous to think that a couple of years of dallying in Spanish is going to make any difference in the lives or educations of English-speaking students.

To divert one minute of learning time with pap like this is criminal. Students should not be forced to waste time learning subject matter on which they will never even be tested. What is the ultimate goal? If this dual language learning ends after first grade, exactly nothing has been accomplished. Do they plan to extend the program to the higher grades and test in two languages?

The article states that one of the goals of the dual language program is "to teach students an appreciation for all cultures." I believe it makes a travesty of education and is nothing more than the ultimate sacrifice to political correctness.

SUSAN HUFF