Article Critique

Another example is Structured Immersion , which develops the first language and some content instruction as well . Another example is Sheltered English or Content-Based programs . These are typically used in high school and speakers from different backgrounds are grouped in content-specific classes . Next is High Intensity Language Training . In these groups students from different backgrounds are grouped together for most of the school day , and students receive up to 3 or 4 hours a day intensive training in ESL . Eventually students are mainstreamed into regular classes one by one beginning with the

less academic classes first

The author then points out that there is no one academic program that works for every student or every district . The program that a district chooses must meet the needs of the students and allow them to go through school at a rate similar to other non-ESL students . Lastly , the district must make good use of its money with its choice of ESL programs

McKeon makes many good points in this article about ESL programs . I am just afraid that many of the ESL programs out there are not doing the best job for students . Depending on the student 's level of language proficiency , it seems as though the intensive model would be best for most . However , it is also the most costly . With declining enrollment in many school districts across the nation , not to mention decreased funding , it seems as though many districts could not afford these kinds of intensive programs . California and Arizona have backslid on many of their ESL programs , and they both have large populations of ESL students . Decreased funding for these programs will certainly not help America it will only widen the gap between those who have things and those who don 't . English is not our official language , but...