Abigail Tetlow on Rodriguez

 This week I read "Aria", a memoir by Richard Rodriguez. Rodriguez was an American educational author. "Aria" explores his experiences throughout school as a bilingual student. He argues against the idea that bilingual education is essential for preserving cultural identity, instead emphasizing how learning English helped him integrate into the public world.

Rodriguez sees the importance of speaking the language of the American people, while still recognizing the importance of his culture and continuing to speak Spanish in his private life. He believes that a bilingual education will not be sufficient for students and it can delay children's development and learning. Rather than feeling oppressed for having to speak English, Rodriguez feels empowered by this and with his confidence he was able to access more knowledge and opportunities. He used English as a tool. Rodriguez believes that those who promote bilingual education overlook the importance of learning English for full participation in society. 

I believe that students joining the public school system in kindergarten who do not speak English at home should not be placed in regular classes. I think it would be much more beneficial for young students to become fluent English very early in their academic careers to get the most they can out of the time they have at school. In my classroom placement I have witnessed a few kids who don't fully understand the English speaking teacher, and having an aide speak in Spanish to explain is just a band-aid solution. To really fix a problem like this, bigger steps need to be taken.

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