[NIFL-ESL:9330] RE: Accept English Only donation?

From: Cynthia E. Shermeyer (cesherm@UDel.Edu)
Date: Fri Aug 29 2003 - 16:11:16 EDT


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From: "Cynthia E. Shermeyer" <cesherm@UDel.Edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9330] RE: Accept English Only donation?
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Forgive me everyone - this is quite embarrassing. Obviously this message
was meant for a colleague I work with here. This is one of those moments
you want to sink into the ground and be swallowed whole!

"Cynthia E. Shermeyer" wrote:
> 
> Hi again Sue!
> 
> This just came through from Lynda to the NIFL ESL list serve. I would
> suggest taking a look at it if you have any spare minutes! Lynda works
> for CAL and is the moderator for the list. She has a wealth of
> experience and information.  Too bad class is over, this would have been
> a great addition for discussion and reading.
> Cheers!
> Cindy
> Cindy
> 
> Lynda Terrill wrote:
> >
> > Dear listers,
> >
> > After some quiet times on the discussion list, I was happy to see the many thoughtful comments in response to Cathy Shank's posting yesterday. Cathy related a teacher's concerns about accepting a donation from an "English Only" group (the original email is below). The teacher wanted to explore the issues involved with her class. Cathy specifically asked:
> >
> >         What are your thoughts on this one?  Does anyone have any advice or
> >         resources to offer?   Has anyone seen any information on the 'English
> >         Only' issue that is written at reading level that would be accessible to intermediate   level ESL students?
> >
> > Such issues are of concern to ourselves and to learners and programs. I think the discussions themselves are crucial to our democratic society. May I restate the need for everyone to maintain a polite and respectful tone in all messages to each other on this list.
> >
> > By the way, the ERIC Digest mentioned in an earlier post, "Official English and English Plus: An Update," 1997 by Vickie Lewelling can be found at http://www.cal.org/ericcll/digest/lewell01.html
> >
> > Best wishes for a good holiday weekend.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Lynda Terrill
> > NIFL-ESL moderator
> > National Center for ESL Literacy Education
> > 4646 40th Street NW
> > Washington DC 20016-1859
> > tel (202) 362-0700 ext. 243
> > fax(202) 363-7204
> > LTerrill@cal.org
> > http://www.cal.org/ncle
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Cathy Shank [mailto:cshank@access.k12.wv.us]
> > Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2003 8:01 AM
> > To: Multiple recipients of list
> > Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9287] Accept English Only donation?
> >
> > A teacher in my state was approached by an 'English Only' group who was
> > interested in donating money for educational materials to her program.
> > She decided to go ahead since there seemed to be no apparent strings
> > attached to the money--she could use the funds to purchase materials SHE
> > selects and she would not be bound to any particular curriculum.  Later,
> > the group said they wanted to give her the check publicly at the same
> > time a state senator gave a press conference announcing a bill to make
> > English the official state language. She is unsure how to respond.
> >
> > She CAN make an acceptance speech which clarifies her organization's
> > goals, but she fears standing on the same platform with the politician
> > will make her appear to be associated with his position.  She plans to
> > discuss it with her ESL class as a problem solving type issue.
> >
> > What are your thoughts on this one?  Does anyone have any advice or
> > resources to offer?   Has anyone seen any information on the 'English
> > Only' issue that is written at reading level that would be accessible to
> > intermediate level ESL students?
> >
> > Thanks for your thoughts and assistance.
> > Cathy Shank



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