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 h7TIdF706470; Fri, 29 Aug 2003 14:39:15 -0400 (EDT) Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2003 14:39:15 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <B24038C0D3E160419E320030D92C22DE0121AEF0@hobbes.cal.org> 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: "Lynda Terrill" <lterrill@cal.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9321] RE: Accept English Only donation? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 2699 Lines: 58 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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