Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h82FN1723148; Tue, 2 Sep 2003 11:23:02 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 11:23:02 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <002801c37165$fbc78b60$e601370a@CSHANK> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Cathy Shank" <cshank@access.k12.wv.us> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9357] RE: Accept English Only donation? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook, Build 10.0.3416 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 5267 Lines: 124 As a follow-up to my initial request for your opinions, I wanted to fill you in on what has happened. My colleague replied to the foundation that offered her the donation that she did not feel comfortable sharing the podium with the politician. The foundation also realized that because they are a 501c3 non-profit it would not be a good idea for them to mix their donation with the politics. The teacher also examined their website and found that part of their mission is to provide opportunities to those desiring to learn English who have few opportunities (thus their interest in making a donation to a rural ESL program). As for the students in the class, the teacher said: "I did present the ESL students with the problem. First (and before they knew about the donation), we discussed the question of English as the official language (some were surprised to hear that it wasn't) and the possible motivations for supporting an English Only law. All but two of the 11 students who discussed it said that the U.S. doesn't need an official language; one person said since the Native Americans were here first that language should be the official language. All agreed, however, that people from other countries who come to the U.S. to live should learn English because it's the best way to be 'accepted' by others. (I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that since these are people who are attending an EL Civics class.) Two students thought it would be okay if English were legislated as the 'official' language. Second, we discussed whether or not we should accept money from the organization. (Some people looked up the web page.) Most of the students said, 'If you don't have to do anything for the money, take it.' After the discussion, we voted; it was unanimous to accept the donation. (Some students raised both hands.) I then invited them to attend the ceremony on Thursday and we discussed how they might respond to questions then." I liked that fact that the teacher put the issue before the adult students. Sometimes, students' opinions are quite different than we expect. Thanks for your spirited input and discussion. Since we are a small ESL state, it is always valuable to hear the national perspectives from the listserv. Cathy Shank Phone: 304-766-7655 ext. 112 mailto:cshank@access.k12.wv.us -----Original Message----- From: nifl-esl@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-esl@nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Lynda Terrill Sent: Friday, August 29, 2003 2:39 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9321] RE: Accept English Only donation? 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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