Spanish for Spanish speakers

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MermaidPR - 2009-02-26 23:13:03

Not all hispanic people are illegal in Maryland ok , Im puertorrican, and Im american citizen , Im teacher with Master Degree. I know many Americans who depend on welfare also. I see now we are hated race, first African-American and now we also, but accepts that we are the minority to lead a humble black man to become president, in the future will be a woman ,in years and will be a Latino president LOLLLLLLOLOOOO HAHAHAHHA

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M. Tapia - edgewood, MD - Karma: Bad

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MermaidPR - 2009-02-26 23:10:58

Not all hispanic people are illegal in Maryland ok , Im puertorrican, and Im american citizen , Im teacher with Master Degree. I know many Americans who depend on welfare also. I see now we are hated race, first African-American and now we also, but accepts that we are the minority to lead a humble black man to become president, in the future will be a woman ,in years and will be a Latino president LOLLLLLLOLOOOO HAHAHAHHA

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Maylin Tapia - edgewood, MD - Karma: Bad

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Nice Maylin - 2009-02-20 10:00:40

So are you from the future where you know that by 2050 50% will speak Spanish? And, while your at it, please understand that the English language is a "mutt" of language, being derived from German, Latin, French, and several others.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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MermaidPR - 2009-02-20 02:04:10

HEY ..DA if you studied Education you will know that children have a great ability to learn both languages, and you are so wrong about 96% people in America only speaks english , speak a language that their want to speak THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY ! that's why we pay taxes . For your information in 2050 ,50% of people in America will speak spanish READ IT IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR OWN COUNTRY. (that's why many americans want learn spanish)AMERICA IS A LAST NAME OF FIRST ITALIAN EXPLORER WHO DISCOVER YOUR LAND.(not a english word) ITALIAN !!!!, AND ROOT OF ITALIAN IS LATIN (ROMANCES LANGUAGES)READ HISTORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

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Maylin Tapia - edgewood, MD - Karma: Bad

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P O - Thanks. - 2008-10-21 12:09:38

Well written comment - Agree & support any solution that helps these children get a leg up on learning. The Capitol needs a follow up article with some statistics on the program.

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Nick W. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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a Freeman - 2008-10-20 12:51:12

Estoy de acuerdo con lo que "IM Freeman", dijo Annapolis est? lleno de un mont?n de personas racistas

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John McCain - annap, MD - Karma: Bad

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TO: JJT - 2008-10-20 02:33:39

Are you serious when you call them "poorly educated children of immigrants"? This seems like a stereotype that would be more common in Germany in 1939. The fact is that these classes help the children learn a higher level of Spanish and also serves to help their academics in English. It's a double bonus.

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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WAKE UP - 2008-10-19 21:57:55

IM, we should not have to change the curriculum in ANY school for the poorly educated children of immigrants. This course is doing a grave disservice to them and their futures. And if it is a public school, my tax dollars are paying for it, and that is just another way the state is hosing us with their much askew immigrant policies.

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JJ T. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Stupid is as Stupid Does - 2008-10-19 13:54:40

Enough Said! Now everyone translate that into Spanish so we can all be like IM Freeman. Yeah, thats' what I thought, if you had a brain in your Southeast DC brain you of all people SHOULD know better!

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Jean R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Hey DA... - 2008-10-18 07:31:19

Did you read the article or any of the post below yours? First of all the artical says Ms. Hernandez said, so the students use technology, read, write and speak all in Spanish. It also says "But in this course, students are learning to speak and read in a higher level of Spanish and present their research in Spanish. It says they would like them to be bilingual but it did not say they are teaching them English. It is so sad that you had to turn this into racism. If you would have read any of the comments below yours you would know that is not the case. Bottom line is if you want a good job in America you have to speak English. All we are saying is they are setting these children up for failure. It is not at all racist to say you need to speak English when in America. In fact 96% of America speaks English. So you tell me how are these children going to get a good job if they don't speak English. It is not racist it is a fact.

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M. C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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unbelieveable - 2008-10-18 00:00:58

Did any one actually read the article besides the last poster?

How can you say "speak English when in America", when that is what these children are LEARNING to do. I have lived here for 2 years and thought of most people here, at the very least, open-minded. This article obviously brought out a lot of hate for people of other cultures and a feeling of entitlement. I am rather disgusted.

They ARE teaching these children English. The teachers are proficient in both languages so that they can answer questions and explain lessons in Spanish. They are still learning how to read and write in Spanish.

I am saddened to see racism alive and well in Annapolis, Maryland.

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D. A - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Nick W - 2008-10-17 13:08:04

To address your questions in the spirit in which they were hopefully asked?.having an additional course which is taught in Spanish language may help these children to ?double check? their understanding of some of what they are learning in English. Imagine sitting in a classroom all day, having to translate everything you hear in a new language, back to your native language and then having to put it back into the new language. It is exhausting! Also, most people learn their native language in an ?audio? manner (ie, from hearing others talk). But, to read and write you need instruction. Growing up in a Spanish speaking household does necessarily not mean that a child can read and write Spanish. Just as my Grandmother could speak German, but never was able to read it. By taking this additional class in Spanish, the children will be exposed to more reading, writing and grammar. Learning grammar in one language helps to raise your awareness of things like nouns, adjectives, prepositional phrases, sentence structure, etc. This higher awareness may allow the children to learn English faster. Now that is something many of the people here should be happy about!

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P O - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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People, get a grip! - 2008-10-16 21:39:01

I am so tired of the partisan spirit that has so divided this country the last decade! Why can we not have differing opinions without someone calling the other a racist, fascist, bigot, stupid, dumb, idiot... you get the picture! The reality is this... we are all different, get over it! That is why this country is called the melting pot because we are all different. But, we all share the commonality of love for this country, what it stands for, and the American culture and spirit. Now, for the topic here. My fiancee was born in Barcelona, lived in Colombia for 10 years, and immigrated to this country with her family 20 years ago. She spoke Spanish, German, French, and Italian before she arrived here but soon afterward learned English. She will tell you that, in this country, we speak *English* and everyone who immigrates here and wants to have a life here is obligated to learn English if they want to assimilate. Her perspective, even though she has Latin American roots, is that our American culture is being ruined by our society catering to every other culture. She is not suggesting that we do not embrace our differences. After all, she is closer to a worldly person than I (who only speaks English). We both love to converse with people from other countries and share cultural similarities and differences. But in this country, we are English and should not be giving up our culture for the sake of any other.

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Steve K. - ANNAPOLIS, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Annapolis - 2008-10-16 14:53:58

Most of the views expressed here represent what I have come to know as the spirit of Annapolis. It's very sad. There's a whole world out there where people aren't filled with hate.

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S. Abbott - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Here's a great video... - 2008-10-16 14:18:11

Here's a great video that shows where this discussion is going and the views expressed from some of the posters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRqcfqiXCX0

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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J. M. and IM - 2008-10-16 13:58:16

Great, how about you pick up the tab. How much have you donated to "THE CAUSE"?? Or is this just another free speech sermon.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Caption is missleading - 2008-10-16 13:52:53

The article states that the students will be reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. So explain how the picture caption of ?can keep up with their English-speaking peers and eventually become truly bilingual? make any sense? If the school system really wanted the Spanish speaking students to become ?truly bilingual? shouldn?t they be offering additional courses in reading, writing and speaking in English?

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Nick W. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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To: J. Locke - 2008-10-16 13:48:49

At least you are honest. (Unlike all the other posters.)

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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IM - 2008-10-16 13:48:45

To bad you have to stretch it that far to make your point...I DON'T

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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IM Freeman - 2008-10-16 12:33:55

Sounds like the USA that I want to live in!

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J. Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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To Debbie: - 2008-10-16 09:47:10

So, following your logic..." If you want to be in the USA, speak English" then...

If you want to be in the USA, be heterosexual.
If you want to be in the USA, be white.
If you want to be in the USA, be Christian.
etc. Sounds like we should throw away the Constitution.

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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M.M. - Arnold - 2008-10-16 08:45:36

No one is attacking the Hispanic community, I don't care if you are from the Moon, If you want to be in the USA, speak English.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Innovative program! - 2008-10-16 01:16:28

I think that congratulations should be in order for Ms. Jones and the team that worked to create this program! I hope that it will work to achieve the stated goals. Over time, it would be wonderful to be able to expand this course and its multidisciplinary approach to children who are learning spanish as a second language. Being able to speak, read and write in more than 1 language is a valuable skill in a global economy.

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P O - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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To: All previous posts - 2008-10-15 20:56:17

This is now the third time I have been extremely upset, and disappointed, while reading post that relate to Hispanics. That is neither here nor there, however. I think many of you are missing a key point. This class is only taught for 86 minutes every three days. There are approx. 2100 minutes in a five day school week. If these students only spend 86 minutes in a Spanish class, that means they are spending 96% of their time in English only classes. They are trying to learn English and they are being taught English. And FYI: there are no standardized test in foreign languages, and classes in other languages do not exist because there is not the same demand as there is for Spanish. Thanks for reading.

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M. M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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You forgot this part IM.. - 2008-10-15 19:23:33

IM thought English is not the offical language here is some info off the site YOU posted. The United States does not have an official language; however, the majority of the population speaks English as a native language The variety of English spoken in the United States is known as North American English. 96% of the population of the U.S. speaks English. This is off of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States. So in a country where 96% of it speaks English what chance do these kids have it they do not speak English? They have no chance at a bright future. Bottom line is if you want a good job in America you have to speak English. It may not be right or fair but that is just the way it is. This is thanks to the men and woman that fight for us to keep this country every day. Hell we could all be speaking Korean, Chinese, Arabic or Spanish. Thanks to the Military we don't have to do that. Show some respect and stand by your country and it's 96% English speaking population.

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Mary C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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To IM - 2008-10-15 17:30:56

I already knew that the US does not have an official language (unfortunately), and that is why I never said that it did. You never answered my question, though, why aren't classes being taught in Chinese or French or whatever for those students that may come from other places? Why are we catering to Spanish speaking immigrants, when they should be assimilating to the ways of the US and not the other way around.

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K B - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

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To: Debbie and KB - 2008-10-15 17:10:54

I hate to tell you, but the United States does not have an official language. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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IM - 2008-10-15 14:34:14

I didn't say the school children were the problem, I said the political interests were the problem, and yes, they are scheming on more of our tax dollars, and still, I am not willing to pay, can I pass that buck to you? Never in the history of America, has another language been offered other than that of foreign language as a course, and which also, the teacher spoke English. I truly feel bad for the children, they are innocent, and the subject of what their parents are doing, not anything I am doing. I would also conclude that the parents are probably here illegally.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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To IM Freeman - 2008-10-15 13:52:46

I am sure that what Mary Jane was saying, is that classes will be conducted in the language of the land. For example, in Germany, a science class will be taught in German. Yes, English is taught in other countries (as a foreign language), just as our schools teach French, Spanish, etc. as foreign languages. I completely agree with Mary Jane, that to come to the US and expect schools to acclimate to them rather than the immigrant acclimating to the host country is ridiculous. Will they start conducting classes and giving tests in Vietnamese or Chinese or Arabic, etc. whenever a foreign student enrolls? Doubtful.

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K B - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

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To Mary Jane: - 2008-10-15 13:17:02

It is evident from your postings that you don't travel outside of the country very often. You are wrong about English education in the countries that you mentioned. Here are the facts with an accompanying link for your perusal.

Germany: English is a mandatory class from the 3rd grade onward. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Germany
Ghana: English is mandatory from the first grade. http://www.ghanaembassy.or.jp/educational.html
China: English is taught starting in the third grade. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_mainland_China

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Definitions (cont.) - 2008-10-15 13:02:40

If you go beyond Dictionary.com, you will find that racism is defined as the theory that distinctive human characteristics and abilities are determined by race (OED) and the belief that race is the primary determination of human traits and that racial differences produce inherent superiority of a particular race (Webster), and the list could go on. My point was that when I posted my comments there were no comments stating or alluding that any race/culture/ethnicity was superior to another or that there was anything inferior about speaking another language. The issue at hand for many of us who have had children in and support the public school system, and pay taxes that support that system, is that this is the United states of America and the language of the land is English. If you move to the US from any country, you should expect that classes will be taught in English and that you would learn the language of the country you are residing in. Again, as I stated before, if I move to and decide to live in Mexico, Germany, Ghana, China, I will have to learn the language of that land - - and if my children are there with me they will also have to learn the language since it is unlikely that classes will be offered in their native language, English. (And in the future when people are going to infer that other people posting may be "racist bumpkins," they should consider that perhaps some of the respondents may be Hispanic and may be something other than an awkward, unsophisticated, naive or gullible rustic!).

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Mary Jane M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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To IM Freeman... - 2008-10-15 12:58:46

Ok I can agree with you on the fact that I am sure these kids are not sitting around thinking about how they can scam us. This also has nothing to do with race it has to do with the greater good of the children. You said all these kids want to do is work hard and get good grades. I am sure that is true but if they want to work so hard than why don't they work hard at learning English. Bottom line is you are not going to get a good job if you speak little to no English. Spanish is a great language to know but it is not the language of this country. I'm sorry but it's just not. I am sure if I go to Mexico or South America I am not going to get a good job if I don't speak Spanish. Also you said

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M. C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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To Debbie: - 2008-10-15 12:33:33

The article is talking about school children. It is highly unlikely that they were sitting around planning to scheme you or I out of our tax dollars. They simply want to work hard and get good grades (the same goals that your children have).

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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To Jean: - 2008-10-15 12:30:18

I have 2 children and have paid taxes in the county and city for the past 10 years. I have no problem with the fact that my tax dollars are being used to bridge the cultural divide between immigrants who can not speak English and those that do.

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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To Mary Jane: - 2008-10-15 12:23:27

Racism: a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
From Dictionary.com

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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IM Freeman - 2008-10-15 10:01:47

I share your sentiments completely.

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Theresa P. - Gambrills, MD - Karma: Bad

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Not OK - 2008-10-15 08:59:42

OK, think about this...immigrants come here, illegal or not, and first off, learn that they are tax exempt, second they learn what and how the dollar is used for, third, they learn what the social service benefits are: i.e.: welfare, food stamps, health benefits, and forth, they learn about the public defenders office. I know that not all immigrants do this, but a great majority do, and I will never be happy about any of this. They do not learn the English language because they don't have to, the political interests continuously bend over backwards to cater. Any one who wishes to reside in the USA should learn the language on their own accord. If they truly want to be here, lets see it. America has dropped the bar by suggesting that AMERICANS are not true Americans, that they are Mexican Americans, or Irish Americans or African Americans or German Americans, anything but true Americans. When will we all stand together as just good ol' native-born Americans, and protect our great establishment? I do not know spanish or any other language than English, and if I am living here, why should I have to learn other languages, or pay to support any one else to learn English. This is not attacking middle schoolers, this is attacking those political interests and entities that allow this. Private classes are taught for those wishing to learn English, why is this now being integrated into the public school system. Truly, I am an English, Indian, Scottish, African, German American, should the people of this Country be expected to cater and teach me all those languages and lifestyles, or does any one believe if I was in any of those countries, their school systems would teach me?, no way.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Definitions - 2008-10-15 08:17:41

Mr/Ms Freeman has chosen to state that all of the comments to the article are "appalling and overtly racist." Race relates to a person's appearance, determined biologically with genetic traits such as skin color, eye color, cranial profile and structure. (The US census lists race as black, white, American indian/Alaska native, and Aisian/Pacific islander.) Ethnicity relates to cultural factors such as nationality, cultural ancestry and beliefs. (The US census ethnic categories are non-Hispanic and Hispanic.)None of the postings indicated overtly or subtly that they hate middle school or any children. No one stated that children should speak only one language. The point that was being made is that the primary language of the the United Sates of America is English, and if you are going to live, work and succeed in the US, it is important to speak English. Many of us speak two or more languages, but English is the language of this land. If I move to El Salvador, I would not expect that they would change signs to Spanish and English, or that I could press 2 for English, or that the schools would teach certain classes in English and have classes in American culture for my children. If I were to move to another country I would learn the language, participate in the customs, and, at home, continue with American customs. The point that is being made is that by segregating children by language and culture in the school system does not afford them with the best opportunity to succeed. (Isn't desegregation something that we fought for 50 years ago?)And I doubt that outside readers will view Annapolitans as racists, brimming with hatred for middle school children, but as concerned parents and citizens who want all children to grow to be productive and educated members of this country, an appreciate for cultures and customs - with tolerance for others opinions.

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Mary Jane M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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IM Freeman/Como Estas? - 2008-10-15 02:32:58

I am going to venture out and GUESS you must not pay taxes here, nor have children, or grandchildren in these schools. Otherwise, think about it. We are only setting these children up for a HUGE personal disappointment when they think they are doing great on these tests.. It is a cruddy world out here with the rest of us, you need to be prepared and that means knowing the language here. In the real world no one is going to kiss your butt and help you because you want to play dumb and say No Hablo Ingles. That only pisses people off and gets you arrested.

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Jean R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Appalling - 2008-10-15 01:25:12

The comments that are expressed in this forum are appalling and overtly racist. These are young children who need some extra help and most Marylanders are willing to give it to them. I hope that people from outside of the area don't see these posts and think that all Annapolitans are racist bumpkins, brimming with hatred towards middle school children.

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IM Freeman - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Totally Agree w/MC - 2008-10-14 23:50:28

I speak Spanish, I use it when I go to MEXICO or SPAIN. Here in the USA we speak AMERICAN ENGLISH. Learn it, Love it, Feel it as a Patriot. Remember the Alamo, we did keep Texas?

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Jean R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Wow... - 2008-10-14 16:25:56

Ok so the article said that test scores were down so they gave the kids the test is Spanish their native language right? So you mean to tell me that instead of teaching these kids English they just gave them the test in Spanish so they would pass and the school's test scores would come up and the school would look good. All they are doing is setting these kids up for failure as adults. Don't get me wrong companies love it if you speak Spanish as a second language, however if you don't speak English in America how do you plan to get a good job? The issue here is not weather or not they are legal, but the fact that these kids are being cheated to make the school look better. You better believe these extra classes are on our tax dollar (thanks O'Malley). Just maybe if the liberals made people work for things instead of just giving it to them this state would not be as bad off as it is. Welfare state here we come. I mean if you can't beat them join them right? WRONG!!!

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M. C - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Being in America - 2008-10-14 15:52:13

The United States of America began as a nation of immigrants. While keeping customs and traditions of their homelands, people learned the language of the this great country which was (and I believe still is) English and assimilated into the American culture. Now we have to press a number to continue in English, signage in department stores and schools are in English and Spanish, businesses/hospitals have to hire bilingual employees to speak with clients.
My children both went to AA Co public schools, and during their high school years, the number of ESL students increased greatly, and the school even created special clubs/activities for Spanish speaking students with the explanation that it would increase communication between students - - in fact it only created a wider divide. For Spanish speaking children now in America, creating their "own community" in the schools, lessons on heritage (what happened to American history?) and speaking, reading and writing in their "1st" language is not going to help these kids into American society and will only serve to maintain and widen cultural divides.
MJ Annapolis

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Mary Jane M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Spanish - 2008-10-14 14:03:14

The problem is this course of action does nothing to prepare these young students for the real world. They now live in America and need the language skills to communicate in our English language. Without those skills, they are destined for low skill low wage jobs. What ever happened to learning your new country's language and customs?

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Robin S. - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Regan L - 2008-10-14 14:01:15

You demonstrate the real racism in this issue. Don't make this into an illegal vs. legal issue as some others on this board have already done. Truth is it is a disservice to shield these children from learning English. The only ones who want to create barriers among people are those who refuse any attempt at assimilation and teaching these kids how to communciate properly with the VAST MAJORITY of this country and the world. Again, I would like to see how far kids who can barely speak English get in 21st century America. Real racists are those that keep children from learning English when it is practically a prerequisite for a middle-class lifestyle.

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T J - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Welcome to America! - 2008-10-14 13:15:33

Now speak English!

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Jean R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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So much for melding... - 2008-10-14 12:46:56

All I can say is wow, back to you all. I am not implying that illegal immigration is not an ongoing problem for the state and country as a whole, but to automatically assume that every person of Spanish speaking origin is an illegal immigrant is narrow minded and frankly speak ill of our countries attitudes. These children are trying to meld into our society by learning how to better communicate in English and in Spanish. Instead of harping on an inovative attempt to welcome and not leave behind what will become the link between countless communities we should find a constructive outlet for our frustrations. Limits on immigration and fear mongering about lost jobs/income/benifits and cultural differences have never improved America's xenophobia before, in fact such policies often lead to incidents that we needed to apologize for. Just as the Indians or the Japanese or the Catholics or the Irish or the... You get the point. Maybe in the 21th century we need to erase that little box about us that separates us from them. People often wonder why the children of America want to stay home and play X-box or Wii instead of interacting with anyone else, maybe they are just repeating a learned pattern from those around them. These children are trying to learn, why can't the adults try as well.

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Regan L. - Baltimore, MD - Karma: Bad

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TIRED OF IT ALL!!!! - 2008-10-14 11:52:36

They ALL should be in their own countries speaking & learning in spanish. NOT IN AMERICA! I'm so sick of hearing about illegals woes! GO HOME!!! We have our own here that need more help than they do. It's criminal what the politicians are letting OUR country turn in to. NO spanish accomodations allowed in USA!!!!!

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Marie J. - arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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outrageous - 2008-10-14 10:17:41

the problem isn't that their test scores are low, it's that activists have hijacked the schools. If you can't speak English in the US, you won't get top jobs. Period. So you can complete assignments in Spanish. Great. I'd like to see how far that takes you in a world where English is the lingua franca of business, diplomacy, and general communication.

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T J - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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All I can say is - 2008-10-14 09:59:03

Wow. 35 middle schoolers can't speak English. I hope no one needs any more clarity on why the State should stop funding CASA, stop giving out drivers licenses to illegals, and stop giving in-state tuition to illegals. O'Malley is well on his way to making all of Maryland a welfare state. Neo-communism is alive and well in Maryland.

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible