Learning English

“Child’s-Eye View of English Immersion” (Aug. 25) refers several times to the English for the Children statewide initiative as “English first,” even though this phrase is nowhere found in the initiative or any of its promotional literature. The purpose of English for the Children is to replace native language instruction with sheltered English immersion, to bring the benefit of our common language to immigrant children who are currently denied it.

The phrase “English first” actually derives from supporters of native language instruction, who wish to paint the teaching of English as some sort of oppressive put-down of diverse cultures. You might as well call French class in high school “French first.”

DOUGLAS LASKEN

Woodland Hills