But the school switched to all-English instruction during regular hours this year to comply with the Unz initiative. Teachers use gestures and pictures to help children understand English words and concepts. Parents are expected to make a significant commitment to the project. They must provide transportation for children to and from classes. But parents' involvement goes beyond paying tuition and providing transportation.
Parents often provide teachers with after-school snacks and raise funds for the program.
Wong says that much of the equipment and materials in her classroom were donated by parents. He said he's been pleased with how well his two daughters have learned to read and write in Vietnamese. Bilingual advocates say Oak Grove is making the most out of the post-Proposition 227 situation. Maria Norma Martinez, Region 1 representative for the California Association for Bilingual Education, said other districts are starting to explore different ways to teach bilingual education and some are looking at using Oak Grove's model.