Las Vegas Sun

November 28, 2009

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Letter: Pitfalls of a multilingual curriculum

Sunday, March 26, 2006 | 7:02 a.m.

I wanted to tell you about the dual language program from my personal experience at Walker International Elementary School. This is a neighborhood school that is not in a Hispanic-speaking area. It is mandatory to participate in the program.

Harley Harmon Elementary School Principal Del Bean was quoted in the Sun's March 20 article, headlined "Schools bridging the language divide," as saying that he has not found a downside to this program. The "downside" I have found with this program is that my choice as a taxpaying parent has been denied. This program is leaving some students behind. My child is taught math in Spanish with a Spanish textbook. And it would be upon me to apply for a zone variance every year and transport my child to a school further away from my house if I want an all-English program.

At our school there is no choice for an all-English curriculum. I believe each American parent should have the choice of an all-English curriculum for their child. Elementary education is vital for the foundation of each child's schooling.

We need to take all students into account when making a program mandatory. I was excited in the beginning to have my child participate in the Spanish language program. But now, after 2 1/2 years, I see the adverse effects of this program on my child's basic education.

I caution other parents. We need a choice of an all-English curriculum or make these dual language schools into magnet schools.

Carolyn Allen, Henderson

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