[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

My niece...4 years old; American citizen born to American parents; English-speaking; child of taxpaying Americans.

According to the school administration, my niece must wait to learn if she will "make the cut" for pre-k this fall. No...it's not test scores nor any readiness evaluation that's holding them up. It will depend upon how many non-English-speaking children are enrolled for pre-k, as those children will be given the first slots.

I wonder how many children who are not American will be sitting in my niece's chair this fall.

Any thoughts?

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Curriculum
-> Bilingual Education
--> English Language Proficiency Standards

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The English language proficiency (ELP) standards contain the language skills that limited English proficient children in Texas are taught to ensure that they have the full opportunity to learn English and succeed academically. The ELP standards are part of the state-required curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The ELP standards consist of the Spanish language arts TEKS (grades K-6) and the English as a second language TEKS (grades K-12).

The ELP standards include second language acquisition skills that enable limited English proficient students to become fluent in English. In order for these students to learn the academic English necessary for academic learning, their second language acquisition skills must be addressed in all their academic classes, whether they are learning mathematics, science, or other subjects. The ELP standards also include the language arts skills that all Texas students are required to be taught.

Helping limited English proficient students become fluent in English and academically successful is the shared responsibility of all teachers. Whether students are in bilingual classes or classes taught in English, their success in school depends on how well teachers meet both their language and academic needs. By combining language learning with quality instruction in mathematics, science, and social studies in grades K-12, teachers will ensure that English language learners achieve the knowledge and skills of the Texas curriculum and reach their full academic potential.

The ELP standards are contained in Chapter 128 of the Texas Administrative Code. To show the relationship between the TEKS for English language arts, Spanish language arts, and English as a second language, the State Board of Education voted to have these TEKS published in a side-by-side format. The side-by-side format shows the direct alignment of the language arts and English as a second language skills. The specific second language acquisition skills are listed at the end of the English as a second language column.

[nmh]

Insanity!

A back seat to Spanish speaking students when ENGLISH is the language of the land. Perhaps it's time to file some suit papers on discrimination?

[Onelifetogive]

...serving 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds... research –based curricula...

So three year olds are already faced with a publish-or-perish dilemma?

"Hey, Susie, put down those Polly Pockets, you have some lab results to document."

[Lurker]

Two words:

Homeschool.

L

[HitmanLV]

Any thoughts?

She will go as far in life as her dedication will allow. Good luck and don't sweat the small stuff (and it's almost all small stuff).

[Balding_Eagle]

Life gives warnings of impending mis-steps.

Use this time to do a bit a reflection. The main question I think you should ask yourself is this:

Suppose your niece does get that classroom slot, are you sure you want her in a classroom that caters primarily to non-English speaking kids? That's what this waiting situation is telling you the classroom is going to be like.

My opinion, if you love your niece, you'll find something else for her.

[kinoxi]

unfortunately i cannot post them( my thoughts)here

[pepperdog]

I am still wondering why we have "Pre-K". Why are people so eager to make their children leave their homes while they are still practically babies? I remember when kindergarten wasn't required, and if your child attended it was really for "fun" rather than serious education. Are these additional two years of education producing improved graduates at the high school level?

[USNBandit]

I live in Nevada and my son is eligible for special ed due to Down's Syndrome. The "early childhood" class was made up of 20% significant delay/disabilities, 30% diagnosed speech delays, and 50% ESL (english as a second language).

[Desert_Girl]

My niece...4 years old; American citizen born to American parents; English-speaking; child of taxpaying Americans.

Your niece is lucky. If you are so concerned about her future and her education, maybe you should consider gifting her with a year or so of private pre-school.

Like it or not, children born in this country are entitled to an education, no matter what language their parents speak at home. I cannot believe that you would prefer these same children grow up to be unproductive welfare recipients.

Last time I checked, the U.S.A. does not have an official language, english or otherwise.

[luckystarmom]

Well, hispanics get first pick of the best schools in San Jose Unified.

[octobersky]

Yes, it sucks that your taxes have to pay for something of which you are forbidden to partake but this is a blessing in disguise. Your niece will fare much better at home with one-on-one instruction.

[Professional Engineer]

I bought my house patrly based upon the new elementary school to be built a year later. So, three years later, my son is ready for kindergarten, and the school is "full". He'd have to go to school in another neighborhood.

We homeschool now.

[sageb1]

Contrary to popular thought, preK is not necessary.

[VOA]

Not to worry, it will just get worse for your niece and her generation of gringos.

Unless the recent defeat of god-like football coach Tom Osborne in Nebraska's
Republican gubernatorial primary is a sign that US citizens might just
be ready to say "enough already!".
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1632158/posts
Osborne was all for saving money by consolidating school districts
AND giving out money via in-state tuition for the children of ILLEGALS
at their state universities/colleges.

Haven't heard about the story? Probably NOT the story the MSM wanted to
lead the news...

[ladyjane]

You might want to ask the President what he thinks about your situation.

[lonestar]

Your neice can get in line to buy food AFTER all the free-lunch kids have eaten. The kids not on freebies can only buy left-overs.

[NapkinUser]

Home school or private school.

As Neal Boortz would say, don't take the best thing in your life and hand him/her over to the government to be educated. Does the government handle anything well?

[Mears]

"Any thoughts?"

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You would bluch if you heard my thoughts.

I would be enraged.

[Mears]

"Any thoughts?"

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TYPO CORRECTION


You would blush if you heard my thoughts.

I would be enraged.