Bye-Bye Bilingual

New Yorkers should heed Californians demand that immigrants be taught in English

Earlier this week, Californians used a blunt instrument – the referendum – to smash a troubled bilingual education program. More than 60 percent voted to give students who speak limited English up to a year of English-immersion courses and then to move them – no excuses – into regular classes. No, this isn’t the best way to resolve complex educational issues. Yes, anti-Hispanic feelings could be fueling some incalculable part of this dispute.

But never mind. Two points override those qualms. First, bureaucracies are highly resistant to change – and politicians and teachers often have their own reasons for wanting to keep children trapped in bilingual classes. The programs can mean jobs and can become enmeshed in local identity politics. Sometimes a weapon like a referendum is the only option against such strong interests.

Second, this vote was more pro-Hispanic than anti-Hispanic. Despite an advertising blitz by pro-bilingual forces days before the election, up to 40 percent of Hispanics voted with the majority. That is no great shock. Californians who graduate from high school without fluency in English aren’t going to have much of a future as wage-earners – nor can they claim to have much of an education.

Although the way California went about this reform is troublesome, it’s probably the only way real change could happen. The issue may be mired in lawsuits for a while. But assuming that the pro-bilingual forces ultimately lose, the onus is now on California schools to make their English immersion programs work.

There’s a lesson here for all states with large immigrant populations: It is best to make bilingual education work before voters get fed up and take drastic action. New York City’s bilingual program is often compared to its special education programs – where few pupils ever make it into regular classes.

Officials dispute that: Two-thirds of kids in bilingual classes are out within three years, they say. Moreover, Albany recently ordered a change that should sharply boost bilingual competency. Today’s ninth graders will have to pass the English Regents exam before they can graduate from high school. That’s very good news. A quiet, thoughtful revolution is always better than a noisy, messy one.



Comments are closed.