Talks progressing on bilingual ed
BOSTON-- A possible compromise is in the works between two sharply contrasting approaches to bilingual education in the state. State Sen. Guy W. Glodis, D-Worcester, a critic of bilingual education, and Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral, D-New Bedford, a longtime advocate for the system, have been holding back-room talks in an attempt to iron out differences between their bills. Mr. Glodis says he will call off a ballot initiative drive to scrap the existing system -- modeled after a successful California campaign -- if an agreement is reached. Meanwhile, Mr. Glodis plans to file his proposed initiative for review by the state attorney general's office by Wednesday's deadline. Collecting petition signatures is the next step if the question is ruled constitutional. Mr. Glodis, who maintains that foreign-language speaking students learn English faster by being taught in English, wants to replace the system with a one-year English"immersion" program. Mr. Cabral, who came to the United States from Portugal at age 14, has filed legislation to make modest changes by tightening teacher certification and allowing"two-way" classes that mix English and non-English-speaking students. "We're very near a compromise," Mr. Glodis said. He added that he is willing to drop his insistence on immersion in exchange for Mr. Cabral's agreement on three key points. They are: requiring all bilingual teachers to be certified; providing waivers to parents who don't want their children in bilingual classes; and capping at three years the time students can spend in bilingual classrooms. In addition, Mr. Glodis said, he is willing to set up a system of local control in which individual school districts can establish their own bilingual standards. These changes would make a substantial difference in helping students learn English and enter mainstream society faster, Mr. Glodis said. "I'm excited that for the first time in 20 years, progress is being made on reform," he said. Mr. Cabral acknowledged that he has met with Mr. Glodis and that he is willing to compromise, but he declined to characterize an agreement as being close. "Out of courtesy to another elected official, I've had some discussions," he said."Out of these discussions, if there is some common ground in the areas we discussed, then I don't have a problem moving forward. "In the end, these discussions might mean that we agree to disagree." He maintained that it would not be hard to accede to some of the issues Mr. Glodis is pushing for because they are already included in existing law or his legislation. He noted, for example, that the state already has a three-year cap -- though many students obtain waivers that have allowed some of them to remain in bilingual classes indefinitely. However, he stressed that he will hold firm on allowing some students to stay as long as necessary to learn English. "Is there a way we can address those who are not able to do that?" he asked, referring to the three-year limit. The certification issue, Mr. Cabral said, is simply a question of "tightening up language." Rep. Jarrett T. Barrios, D-Cambridge, who has pursued a middle course on bilingual education between Mr. Glodis and Mr. Cabral, said he welcomed a compromise. "The time to change bilingual education is now," he said."Glodis' proposal unmodified hurts immigrant children, but many of its elements around assessment and accountability are right on track. "If we can reach a compromise that supports the core mission of bilingual education, which is teaching children beautiful English, then it might have legs in the Legislature." Despite the prospect of Mr. Glodis' initiative campaign, Mr. Cabral said he does not feel pressured by the senator with whom he once served as former co-chairman of the Legislature's Election Laws Committee. Mr. Glodis is Senate chairman of the joint committee. "I don't consider that a threat," he said."Senator Glodis has to do what he wants to do. That's his prerogative." |