It is a sad day for effective education, for equity and for democracy. A few individuals with financial might were able to manipulate the democratic system to impose their will and infringe on the rights of minority students for quality instruction. Passage of the Unz initiative in California was largely based on misinformation about the effectiveness and appropriateness of good bilingual education programs and the students they serve.
Bilingual education is a better way to learn English.
It makes sense to teach children in a language they understand. It also makes sense to teach them English. In our state, the Texas Education Agency has identified successful bilingual programs that demonstrate this fact. The passage of the California initiative does not have to lead us to hurt Texas students or those in other states. This is a wake up call for minority parents, educators and concerned citizens to assert themselves, be pro-active and make schools more accountable for the appropriate education of all children.