I work in an Illinois Public school district in a heavily hispanic area. There are many classes taught in spanish, curriculum delivered in spanish and others that are dual language, meaning they seitch off so that english and spanish speakers can each learn the other language. It floors me that nobody else in this country has such accomodations. We even have many spanish speaking staff who can barely communicate in english. I am often one of two non spanish speakers at IEP meetings and the translators are actually there for MY benefit, not the parents. The level of education in this school is way below others in the districts and it is not because it is being taught lower or because the teachers are giving less. It is an immigrant community with transient residents who move in and move out and move back. Most of their parents are illiterate in english and cannot help with homework. Many work night shifts and the kids are alone with relatives on tablets all day. I do know much of this damage is the result of covid restrictions but I don’t know how much.
The private frum schools are teaching at a much higher level than this school and every one of these kids will be allowed to receive a diploma. Nobody will hold them to how much English they have acquired. And the students are loved and respected and the parents are grateful their children are receiving more than they received.
There is an element of acceptence here that doesn’t exist in NY.
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