Journal Blog Reflection 2

Name one common practice in schools that you would like to change, and describe how you would change it.

A common practice in schools is allowing Hispanic kids to speak Spanish while in school. I would like to change that practice. The following supports in partial detail on how I would change it:

·         Here in the Rio Grande Valley it is customary for most Hispanic kids in elementary, middle and high schools to converse in their primary language, Spanish. This is so because most of the populace is of Hispanic ancestry. This area is rich with a vibrant and fluid Mexican Spanish heritage and culture.

·         At first glance, it appears harmless and okay for Hispanic kids to speak and converse in their native tongue while in school. The problem arises when they go on to college, where the majority of the courses for higher education are in the English language.

·         When Hispanic students’ transition to College, regulatory courses such English Comp 1, History 1, Psychology 1, and Government 1 among others are challenges for them.

·         They now have to write and think at College level English. What occurs is simply this, they now have to learn proper English at the same time they have to study these courses in English, and because they are not accustomed to that level of English they suffer and struggle just to make a passing grade. They are expected to write essays, and do research papers in the English language while they conform to and learn MLA style among other formats.

·         Accordingly, I would alert all responsible school administrators in this area and inform them of the dichotomy of allowing their Hispanic students to speak and converse in Spanish while in elementary, middle and high school. That this practice must STOP if they want these prospective college students to excel and be a success at the college level.

·         I would also remind them that most of the degrees, whether Bachelors’, Masters’, or Ph. Ds’ are in the English language and a student has to face and understand this fact; and that there is no getting around English language while pursuing their respective degrees here in the United States.