[EDLING:284] Evidence won't support Horne's language policy

Francis M. Hult fmhult at DOLPHIN.UPENN.EDU
Fri Sep 3 23:25:01 UTC 2004


The Arizona Republic

Evidence won't support Horne's language policy

Aug. 28, 2004 12:00 AM

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0828satlet6-281.html

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne defends his department's
controversial study showing immigrant students taught in English-only classes
outperformed students taught bilingually ("English immersion works fine," My
Turn, Aug. 19).

Critics noted the study violated basic educational research principles by
failing to control for socio-economic differences or prior student knowledge,
among other problems. The study consequently mistook initial student
differences for program effects.

Unsurprisingly, well-designed research shows immigrant students do better if
they can understand classroom instruction.

For instance, a recent Johns Hopkins University review found most studies show
students do better in bilingual rather than English-only classrooms. While
some studies found no difference, none found an advantage for English-only.

Academics have a responsibility to bring flaws in the department's study to
public light.

However, the superintendent and his supporters charge that academics dispute
their claims for ideological reasons.

They suggest that a coven of evil professors hides the truth from the public,
while the department grinds out impartial and politically neutral policy
studies.

Glenn Hamer, desperate for a defense, wrote in reckless disregard for the
truth ("Debate is over on immersion," Letters, Aug. 18). Among other
absurdities, Hamer claimed that university faculty "benefit financially from
bilingual programs."

Under Horne, Arizona has become the most language-restrictionist state in the
nation, and there remains not a shred of evidence that it's a good idea.

For more information, visit www.public.asu.edu/~macswan/ade/.

Jeff MacSwan, Chandler



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