Valley teachers unprepared to teach English-language learners

Much of the Eye on Education report is accurate, according to the research. Maria Maldonado and Laura Alamillo expressed that bilingual education is a very valuable way for English learners to become fluent and academically successful. What they did not mention is that dual-language programs are not the only way for English learners to find academic success.

Laton Unified School District and Burton School District in Porterville also have dual-language programs. What we often do not discuss, are the parents who strongly request, and often demand, their child be placed in a classroom where English is the language of instruction.

As a professional developer in the area of English learners for more than 20 years, too many teachers and administrators in our Valley are ill prepared to address the language needs of the students. Many simply deliver the same learning environments and instruction to all students, expecting that English learners should “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and succeed by themselves. When districts make that commitment to improve, achievement will and has improved. We have proof right here in our Valley.

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 6:07 AM with the headline "Valley teachers unprepared to teach English-language learners."