Bilingual Classes

As a native of California I am amazed and saddened that there are so many residents who are upset and threatened with the concept of bilingual education. Bilingualism seems to be well received when our English students are to be taught a second language in private schools. It is prestigious to know more than one language but not when you begin knowing Spanish first.

It seems that many individuals feel threatened by bilingual education while other industrialized nations value multilingualism. Also, it is well-known fact that we are the only industrialized country in the world that does not teach a second language to our young people. At San Fernando Elementary, our students are encouraged to work hard in order to be successful members of society. When they exit our bilingual program they are competitive with any English-only student. These students are not potential dropouts. They complete their secondary education and some continue to college, contributing to our community and society as a whole.

CANDIDA FERNANDEZ-GHONEIM

Principal, San Fernando Elementary

LAUSD