Question:
Would you please address the possibility of developing an English Immersion program for ESL students; I understand Granite District had this at one time. This program would truly help the students in their academic achievement and relocation issues.
Response:
Though we could certainly use more individual supports for some English Language Learners, our “English immersion program” is provided at every school – the core subjects are taught in the English language in all grade levels. You are right, we had a separate immersion program for English language learners, housed centrally to be able to bring the requisite resources together. The federal government descended and, while acknowledging our good intentions, labled it segregation and made us change the program. We are actively pursuing other alternatives to best serve all our children – they are not only the future of our community, they are our community today!
Thanks for the question.