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Alameda County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

Hayward's Diversity and Bi-Lingual Education

By Annette Walker

Candidate for Board Member; Hayward Unified School District; Unexpired Short Term

This information is provided by the candidate
It is no secret that English is spoken all over the world and that our children will be competing for jobs globally. The ability to speak more than one language effectively will allow students greater opportunities later in life.
IF DONE PROPERLY, I believe in bi-lingual education. As a former bi-lingual elementary school teacher, I've had the privilege of forming relationships with families who speak a native language other than English. In Hayward particularly, a large percentage of our population is Hispanic. In addition to being proficient in Spanish, I've believed in and have participated in cross-cultural training. As a long-time resident of the Hayward community, I appreciate and enjoy the diversity that exists here.

Effective bilingual education teaches English to children to maximize instruction for student learning. The biggest difference between learning English as a second language vs. bilingual instruction is the teacher! The bilingual teacher speaks both languages, and the other only speaks English. Discerning which type of program is best suited for students in Hayward is not difficult. When done well, both are excellent ways to learn.

To make this success a reality requires both moral and professional accountability that helps teachers and districts comply with local, state, and federal requirements.

It is no secret that English is spoken all over the world and that our children will be competing for jobs globally. The ability to speak more than one language effectively will allow students greater opportunities later in life.

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ca/alm Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 28, 2010 19:56
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