Monique is one of the
most remarkable women ever I've met. Born in Cambodia, she had the misfortune
of growing up during the murderous reign of the tyrant, Pol Pot. As a small
girl, she bore witness to the death squads, the purges, the famine, and genocide
typical of any communist regime. Somehow she and her family survived the reign
of terror by eating bugs, rats, and whatever food they could scrounge. Through
these bleak days they dreamed of escaping to a land they called "Meg
Gor"[sic], or "The Beautiful Land"
By the grace of God her
family did manage to escape that living hell, and did immigrate to America, the
"Beautiful Land". At the age of 13, Monique was plunked down into her
first classroom. There she sat bewildered as that she spoke not a word of
English. Being completely illiterate, she couldn't even hold a pen properly,
and awkwardly clenched it in her fist.
Fortunately her parents
did not insist that her school district accommodate with bilingual
Cambodian/English classes that could only slow down her assimilation. The only demands
they made were upon their own daughter. They insisted that she avail herself of
the vast opportunities America offered. They insisted that she work hard and do
her best.
And that she did. In
her first year at school she earned an 'A' in math. Within 4 years, Monique
graduated at the top of her high school class. In another 4 years, she
graduated from college. Four years later, she earned an Md degree. She is in my
opinion, the very embodiment of the American Dream. I'm not sure if I have ever
met another person with Monique's drive and ambition, or her appreciation for
America's freedoms, opportunity, and prosperity.
It was indeed a
blessing that Monique's high school experience was not encumbered by any sort
of bi-lingual program to 'help' such students. Instead, she was expected to
learn English in the way preferred by most serious linguist: total immersion.
Tragically, the education
business eschews immersion in favor of bilingual programs (by 'bilingual', we
mean of Spanish). Bilingual education was soundly rejected by California
voters back in 1998. Many educators, however refuse to let go of a failed
program. A teaching credential requires a preponderance of ineffective ESL
(English as a Second Language) classes.
For every study
suggesting that bilingual education is effective, there is another study
suggesting just the opposite. Educational research is completely unscientific and
subjective. There is no clear guarantee that such programs do anything to speed
up assimilation. The only demonstrable guarantee is of job security for the
Spanish-speaking teachers.
It would be foolish to
suggest that every immigrant could accomplish what Monique did. She is
certainly a special case. Not everybody has her native talent and drive. However,
her example does demonstrate that it can be done. It is possible (and preferable)
for children to learn English by immersion. Society should not feel obligated
to provide expensive bilingual education that is marginally effective at best. Immigrants
have been coming to America for generations. Children of immigrants soak up
English like little sponges, and in no time are on their way to achieving the
American dream for themselves.
