Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim that the test discriminates against nonwhite teacher candidates. While we admire, commend, and appreciate minority candidates who want to become classroom teachers, we have a problem with those who charge discrimination against a test which requires minimum competencies and skills. We have a problem with the logic of the lawsuit and the reasons cited by the lawyers. Public schools are the legal gathering place for all students regardless of their language, ethnicity, color, social standing, economic wealth, mental acuity, sexual orientation, parental background, religion, or whatever. Public schools bring together all children of this great and diverse land for a common purpose and reason- to be educated.
Students have a right to teachers who can read, write and compute at a basic high school level.
Students have a right to teachers who can communicate, discuss, understand, and explain whatever needs to be taught or learned. Children have a right to be taught by teachers who communicate effectively and speak clearly. We fail to understand what is wrong with this position. The fact that the test discriminates against a teacher candidate whose language is Farsi or Assyrian does not mean that he or she may not be a good teacher. They may well be an outstanding teacher- in their native Farsi or Assyrian language.