I came to America right in the beginning of 2006. I lived in Houston for four months before moving to Los Altos. Things were a bit different around here. I still remember how my classmates would say bad stuff about me in English. Unfortunately, by the time I had come to Almond Elementary School, I've already begin to understand English little by little.
I was put into ESL class, and my teachers treated me differently. Instead of being assigned the regular homework, I would get an easier version. Sometime it wouldn't even be the same assignment. Once you are enrolled in ESL, they will test you every year for you fluency. By the time I got into 6th grade, speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English was already natural to me. Well, I still suck at grammar -.-
I tried to op-out of ESL, but I was still put inside of it. When I got to Los Altos High, I had to leave class to take that test. I told the lady that I don't need these tests. She didn't really believe me at first, but after I took the class, she was surprised how well my English was. After that, I was op-out of it forever. I was so glad that I was no longer associated with ESL, but thinking back at it, I wondered why I was so happy about it.
I believe that ESL and special ed classes are very beneficial for those who need the extra support. Without it, I don't believe I could have got to where I am today. But I also think the reason why I didn't want to be associate with it anymore is because of the stigma. Often time, we think that people in special ed classes are mentally retarded or disabled, which is not true at all.
What do you guys think about ESL and special ed classes? What about the privileges given to these students such as extensions?
I understand where you are coming from. I moved to America when I was five and spoke very little English. Kids would laugh because they couldn't understand what I was saying, and my teachers didn't know how to handle the situation so I remember sitting in class for a few days not doing anything until my mom finally found out and addressed the situation. Personally I wouldn't call ESL a privilege. It was something I NEEDED in order to excel in school.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't believe being in an ESL program is a privilege but rather a support that in needed while English is mastered. However, I believe our system is flawed in that the law stipulates that students are to be exited as soon as they are proficient and for some students that is within a year or two. For others, though, the program can become a place where they languish year after year after never having fully gained literacy in either their native language (having been removed from their home language and educational system) or their new language. That part of the system is broken and must be addressed.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jenice.