This article is a report of the testimony given by UFT Vice President Aminda Gentile given to the New York City Council's Education Committee on October 5 (Bell). The hearing was to evaluate English Language Learner programs offered by the city. Gentile testified that parents are not given enough information about the choices for their children's bilingual education and are not told of the three different programs available to them. As a result, Gentile testified, the children are placed according to space and availability rather than need. She said there is no time given to hold meetings with teachers to discuss, plan, assess and reflect on the initiatives that support English Language Learners. Gentile said that because of this, many non-English speakers take longer than four years to graduate from high school and often drop out without finishing. Many classes are given only in English and this may discourage many of these students.
There needs to be more planning and thought given to English Language Learner programs so that children are taught effectively. Whether or not bilingual education is the ideal, these children deserve an opportunity, and should be taught English as early as possible so they can join the mainstream and complete their education. English is the official language of this country and should be encouraged: this will only happen if children are forced to use it in school, and therefore taught it at as early an age as possible. They will then become literate members of society, and be able to compete in an English-speaking environment and not be confined to menial labor because they cannot speak the language.
Bell, Natalie. "UFT: Students new to English shortchanged by city schools." 5 Oct. 2005. 13 Oct. 2005.
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