The achievement gap between white and Hispanic students, in my opinion, is mainly because of different English language levels. For example, both my parents are university graduates from Mexico but cannot speak fluent English therefore my first language has always been Spanish. I think that a lot of students have the same situation. I believe that it would be different if we were thought English in school and home, like most white people. This is not the only reason why the achievement gap is so big but in my case, I think this is why it takes me longer to learn.—Cavin, February 25, 2008, DCI 4322-60
When we first arrived here I was treated different because of my language. I was not even allowed to participate in class because I did not know English even though every body in class spoke Spanish. When I moved on to middle and high school, Spanish speaking students were placed in remedial courses and encouraged to enroll in a program that was called stars that was mainly for migrant students who needed to finish school early to be able to work the fields. –Homer, March 8, 2008, DCI 4322-60
I agree with Robert that the biggest reason is the language. For the most part, the better you speak English, the better you do academically and in life in this country… While I do agree that people should do everything in their power to learn English well, we should also be sensitive to the fact that it is very difficult to learn a foreign language. I learned Spanish, but only after speaking it every day, studying it for 12 hours a day, and limiting my communication in English. I went to a very intensive school for this, and then practiced my Spanish for two whole years. Now I am taking a Spanish course taught in Spanish, and even though I understand the course and its expectations, my performance in that class is slower and a bit lower than in my other classes. So... why the gap? In my opinion, I think the gap is mostly because of the language barrier. The studies that show the big gap are done throughout the whole country.—Eldon Clark, February 20, 2008, EDCI 4322-60
Today I have a debate of what to do with my son because I want him to not just learn how to talk in Spanish but also know how to read and write. But like you said if I were to put my son in bilingual or ESL classes he would fall behind. I think they would fall behind because they have to take time to teach both languages and stay there to help the ones that need even more help.—Mina, February 28, 2008, DCI 4322-60
To read more on Closing the Achievement Gap:
Greetings from the editor
Closing the Achievement Gap: Introduction
Gap reason 1: Historical perspective
Gap reason 2: Cultural perspective
Gap reason 3: Economical perspective
Gap reason 4: Linguistic perspective
Gap reason 5: Educational perspective
Gap solution 1: Individual
Gap solution 2: Parental support
Gap solution 3: Teachers
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