Schools Transforming Immigrant Education?

One of the interesting articles I received was titled, “The Schools Transforming Immigrant Education.”  In the article, it explains that some schools are trying to improve the newcomer “achievement gap” by creating International schools.  Newcomer ESL students are enrolled in these schools with other newcomers.  There are a lot of mixed opinions about International schools.  At first glance, it seems amazing.  Newcomers get more individualized and/or small group instruction while feeling at home in their comfort zone with other non-native speakers of English.  And, it seems to be working!  “Students in these schools outshine their English-language-learner counterparts in traditional high schools,” (Gross, N., 2017).  

However, there are concerns.  “Some critics liken the separate learning environments to segregation practices of old,” while others are upset about the amount of funds and resources that are being spent on immigrant students while some native born students are still lagging behind.  Also, students often resort back to their home language in order to communicate with other speakers of their home language.  This takes away valuable language learning time.  Another concern is taking away the constant, daily interactions with native-born peers.  However, there is the option for students to “take elective classes offered by the parent high school, thereby mixing with native English speakers.”

I will continue to follow the research and information about International schools.  I, too, have mixed feelings about it; I see the pros and the cons.  This may definitely be one way to help close the achievement gap of ELs however at what cost?  Are these students losing too much of the social interactions?  Is it creating more of a divide between people?  These are certainly concerns to continue monitoring.

Gross, Natalie. "The Schools Transforming Immigrant Education." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 13 July 2017. Web. 14 July 2017.