Debate Over Speaking Languages Other Than English in Schools

A December 9, 2005 article from The Washington Post discusses whether bilingual students should be allowed to speak languages other than English while in school. Focusing on a recent case in Kansas where a 16-year-old student was suspended for speaking Spanish in the hallway (the suspension was later rescinded by the school district), the article goes on to explain that there is currently a nation-wide debate regarding the pros and cons of allowing various languages to be spoken during the school day. Some feel that the ability to communicate in multiple languages should be encouraged, while others contend that educators should focus on helping students from bilingual families to master the English language as quickly as possible.

The article is available at the Web site of The Washington Post.