Many languish seven years in the program. That's not surprising. Unlike kids in bilingual classes, who are taught almost exclusively in their native languages, these youngsters learn exclusively in English. Eliminating bilingual ed requires action from the federal courts and from Albany. But pols seem to think the program is sacred to their ethnic constituents, especially Hispanics.
Recent studies show otherwise.
All this should make immigrant parents wonder why the mayor's task force did not call for scrapping bilingual ed completely. Like English as a Second Language or the one true reform Levy recommends be offered to parents as an option - intensive English, i.e., immersion. Precious time has been lost, but it's not too late. Breaking bilingual education's legal stranglehold should be the Board of Ed's prime goal - not expanding a program that cheats immigrant kids of their American dream.