Discussion of this sort is vital to our understanding. We have such knowledge gathered here but we must share it. The ELA question has been ignored, it seems, forever. I am especially glad to have read Jody’s comments, gathered from her vast experience in both FL and ELA instruction.
Jody said it’s about politics, and that FL and ELA are two different animals. That’s fine, but personally I always get confused by political and research based terms in education. I always have. I just want to know how we can free the kid.
My need is to ignore the jargon and return to what in my view is the only thing that counts, and that is the answer to the question, “What is best for the child?” Can’t we figure that out and do it? Does it have to be so complex?
If I am a Hmong kid in Denver Public Schools sitting in any classroom, my hierarchy of needs is first to be recognized as a human being. That is also where my first hope lies in solving the communication problem I have with my classmates. I want to be recognized as a human being first.
I may be deficient in language, but I am not stupid. Let’s address my need to be a contributing part of a group in which my intelligence is honored. Once we do that, I may feel like learning the language because I will know that someone acutally cares about what I have to say. Otherwise, I don’t care.
(à suivre)