Originally Posted by jillio

Unfortunately, in the States, that is a problem with many of the Bi-Bi programs, as well. I think shel can attest to the fact that many of the students she gets are referred after having been labeled "oral failures" or have begun to experience problems with academic content that don't show up until the the 4th or 5th grade, approximately.

The majority of the student population have been referred to us after falling so far behind. I wish it was the other way around. *sighs*

That is a problem if they are only offering English as a second language without offering things such as composition classes or literature classes. The whole purpose of learning English as a second language is to make the student able to access literature and to develop proficient writing skills. If students who have English as a first language take classes in formal English use and reading, then students who have English as a second language most certainly should, too. I would never advocate for ESL as being the only English classes offered. My committment is to ESL techniques being used to facilitate learning in classes focused on things like composition and literature. Certainly, once a child has gained a strong foundation in English as an L2 language, they should be receiving class work that will allow them to use those skills and refine them.

BTW, you have obviously overcome the problems with the system, and found opportunities on your own to refine your skills.