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In the April 10th addition of the Sun-Gazette I read with interest Betsy McCaughey's article on the Opinion Page regarding bilingual education. I think her opinion is spot on. In attempting to accommodate non English speaking students we are actually doing them a disservice. Unless we expect them to reside and work in specific demographic locations within our borders where English is rarely spoken this well intentioned accommodation is limiting their potential.
I was so pleased to read in McCaughey's article contained some actual data regarding this subject. Also, her idea that "Non English speaking students should be given intense instruction in English when they first arrive at school and then mainstreamed to classrooms where students are taught only in English" is a much better plan educationally if we really want these immigrant students to succeed in the US.
One of the most valuable educational outcomes for any student is the ability to effectively communicate. For immigrant students it is more than valuable; it is critical and foundational to their success as an adult in the US.
JOHN STREIN
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom