At times, it seems as if the two are operating with one mind. Rodriguez and Garcia converse with the students in both languages, giving instructions first in English, then in Spanish. The kids, despite their abilities, seem reluctant to speak English. This is due, I m told, to their fear of speaking it badly in front of peers who are more fluent. Most of these students parents are barely literate and, therefore, unable to promote reading and writing at home.
English instruction begins and ends at the school gate.
Only one student is testing in English, the rest in Spanish. Garcia looks wistfully across the classroom. Trade is increasing between the U.S. and Latin America. There is going to be a need for thousands of people who can speak the language. The sad part, she continues, is that the program stops in fifth grade.