Bilingual Education

I am an elementary school substitute teacher in Los Angeles, and get to visit many bilingual classrooms. I would love to take readers with me to see for themselves the high level of enthusiasm of these kids as they learn in their mother tongue, while gradually gaining fluency in English.

I would like them to witness the skill and dedication of most bilingual teachers. I would like them to see for themselves the high level of discipline and motivation in a typical “transition class” that is now using English almost as well as I was at that age. Especially, I would like them to feel the vibrancy, joy and diversity of the atmosphere on these campuses.

Perhaps they also would find that bilingual education is a fantastic methodology and ought to be only improved upon and expanded.

LAWRENCE HUFF

Los Angeles

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While I appreciate the magnificent drafting skills of your editorial cartoonist, Michael Ramirez--and he is one of the best--I often find myself taking offense at his bullying, negative attitude. Picturing our hard-working bilingual educators as chihuahuas who’ll be needing jobs at a fast-food joint is degrading, irresponsible and mean-spirited (May 15).

Wake up, California--we are already the multicultural center of the world. We should start behaving like it. Please show a little restraint, Mr. Ramirez. A little fairness from The Times wouldn’t hurt, either.

J. ANTHONY CRUZ

Los Angeles