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Confession of a Bilingual Teacher

Ricardo Munro, October 08, 1997

God help me (I am a bilingual teacher) but Hal Netkin is making me realize that I am closer to him than Krashen and Cummins (the USC Mavins). One simply cannot criticize the orthodox bilingual doctrine in the long run because if you do the money will dry up and "adi�s" to getting any administrator to support you. I still say we must be practical above all, immersion in English (or any second language) isn't always the best tactic but where I start to clash with my colleagues is that I say immersion has to come SOMETIME for any learner to become fluent. I know this from experience! I learned Spanish in a sheltered class (where some English was spoken). But I only became fluent after immersing myself for months at a time in a Spanish only classroom and a Spanish only environment.

When I realize the fanatical tone of the supporters of bilingual education and the fact that they cannot accept any responsibility for their mediocre performance (despite some real successes) I begin to wonder if reform within the Bilingual Movement is not a lost cause. Like Erasmus, I want to be loyal but I know I will be condemned for speaking my mind. Why do I speak? Because I don't care about Krashen's meal ticket....I care about the kids....That's why I tutor eager Hispanics five hours a week after school. No I don't drown them but I gradually teach them to defend themselves. They can't take me with them into the workforce and higher education. Bilingual education is like a state-supported church....it would collapse overnight without the specialy funding.