Placement of Student in Bilingual Class

The Los Angeles Unified School District’s reply to Linda Jones’ complaint that her daughter was placed in a bilingual class against her wishes is more illustrative of the arrogance of the LAUSD than questions of the validity of bilingual classes (Voices, Oct. 18).

As a holder of a bilingual credential and a supporter of the basic premises of bilingual education, as well as an employee of the school district, I find it at once appalling, but not at all surprising, that a cluster leader, who only rarely visits classrooms, would make a judgment that her decision and her principal’s decision should take precedence over a parent’s right to determine what is best for a child.

Right or wrong, without parental support, Laura Jones will never reach her highest potential in a bilingual class. Carol Dodd’s insistence that her judgment and the principal’s judgment are better than a parent’s judgment covers up a deeper truth: Laura is in the class not because it is good for Laura, but because the school wants to “achieve a balance of about half and half” English and Spanish speakers. In other words, norm day (the district-mandated day that “balances” student population) rules everything.

JEFF COMBE

Temple City

Re “Bilingual Is a Damaging Myth,” Commentary, Oct. 19: Ron Unz is 100% correct. My husband and I have been classroom teachers for 35-plus years each. We have watched the current bilingual program fail our students over and over again despite what people would like to believe.

Our students deserve an education that will prepare them to be successful members of society. Unz and his “English for the Children” campaign will provide the changes that will give our immigrant students the education they need to join the mainstream and enjoy the chance to advance and prosper.

ROBERT and MARION WILSON

Sherman Oaks

The outcome of the poll conducted on bilingual education was surprising to me (Oct. 15). I am a student in high school and I know many people who are immigrants and do not know English. Learning a new language is extremely difficult and for many students deprived of a bilingual system, it can be quite discouraging.

I believe everyone must learn English, but submerging a person into a foreign language and culture and expecting that person to learn is rather overwhelming. It will work, but I know from experience that it will create frustration and a sense of alienation. People should consider the mental and emotional impact of not having bilingual education before dismantling it.

ING PHANSAVATH

Anaheim