Nova

At the school I teach we have many students who are English language learners. It is school policy not to allow them to use their native language during the academic day. It seems counter to what I have learned in this program to restrict this use of student language. We have been told that not allowing students to use their home language is sending the message that their culture is inferior to American culture. I understand that it is our schools goal to provide these students with opportunities to learn English however it is important that students feel their culture and language is also valuable.