Reply to FLES in FCPS - is it possible to opt out?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It's a myth that learning a second language is too hard for kids with (most) LDs.  Immersion in fact is the best way to do it because it's multi-sensory and intuitive.  Just because a child complains does not mean s/he should get a waiver to be removed.  What if your kid hated science?  Would you demand a waiver for that?

As parent with a child with ADHD and LDs (writing, and possibly additional ones) in immersion, I honestly do not see what taking away the second language would do.  DC performs pretty much the same in subjects taught in English and Spanish.  The writing (and reading) issues are similar - and different.  Reversals are reversals in any language, but yes, we see issues unique to each language as well -- that can be remedied with tailored interventions.

Only in America do we seem to think that learning a second language is just too hard -- even for NT kids (it amazes me to see parents complaining in other forums here about kids having to waste time better devoted to more English or math to learning a foreign language - it blows me away that uber-educated parents in this area actually think this way, but that's another rant).[/quote]

8:11 here.  My DH's first language is Spanish and I am multi-lingual.  We are very supportive and enthusiastic about all our kids learning other languages - which is why our NT DD is in the immersion program.  I don't need to be lectured on the benefits of learning another language.

I'm glad that your DC is able to access the curriculum in the immersion program.  However, just because your DC can do that without special services and support doesn't mean that all or even most LD kids can.  In FCPS elementary schools, special education services are not provided in any language other than English.  My older DS WAS in the Spanish immersion program and most certainly did not perform the same as when subject were taught in Spanish (Science and Math).  It was only when he began receiving special education services that he was able to access the curricula.  It was a very difficult decision to pull him from the program but it was more important for us that he learn the content in at least one language.  Had those services been available in Spanish, we would have kept him in the program.  But, they are not.  In FCPS, they’re only available in English.  We saw no need for him to continue with a program that not only inhibited his learning, but was also the cause of significant anxiety that carried over into every other area.  It is not his fault he has these challenges and it is unfair and unkind to put in an environment where he is not capable of being successful.

As I indicated in my earlier post, my younger DS has apraxia of speech and a language/communication disorder that result in significant expressive/receptive language issues.  Even though he’s been in an English speaking environment his entire life, in a FCPS classroom for almost 5 years, including 3 years in the non-cat preschool, and has had years of intensive private and school and he only scored a level 2 (Beginning) on the WIDA English Proficiency Exam.  Yet, you think it’s unreasonable of me to think that it’s too difficult for him to learn a second language in this environment?

Again, I’m glad your DC is capable of being successful in the immersion program but you really shouldn’t be ranting about parents whose children aren’t as capable.  
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