Foreign-born parents emphasis on their children learning English

Question

For my education class at the University, we have been studying bilingual education. More specifically, we have been reading studies and articles relating to the benefits of English-immersion programs compared to Dual-language programs with early elementary school-aged children. One particular article analyzed a study that was done about the expectations foreign-born parents had of their children's school curriculum. After analysis of the study, the researchers concluded that "foreign-born parents say that the school's first priority should be to teach English quickly, even if it means that their children fall behind in other subjects."
I was interested in other people's reactions/thoughts to this study and conclusion? More specifically, the reasons behind why a foreign-born parent would stress English acquisition over their native language? Also, what are people's thoughts about society in America emphasizing English so highly that foreign-born parents would value it over their own native language in order for their children to succeed in American schools?
Any comments I could receive from my inquisitions would be very much appreciated.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]For my education class at the University, we have been studying bilingual education. More specifically, we have been reading studies ... their children to succeed in American schools? Any comments I could receive from my inquisitions would be very much appreciated.[/nq]
OK, here's a comment.
USENET is an international forum, not just a talking shop for Americans.

I'm 'foreign-born' from where you're standing, as are millions of other native English speakers around the world, all of whom can read and respond to your posting tonight.
Your study sounds really interesting, though I can't help thinking it's natural for parents to understand that their children need to learn the language of instruction before they can move ahead in subjects taught in that language. And if multicultural cities in the US are anything like those in the UK, there just aren't resources to teach children in all the possible L1s (but maybe you're thinking of areas with a single minority language, Spanish).
Sorry, but you've touched a nerve tonight.
DC, MEd, 20+ years in the ESL classroom.

Usenet · Answer

I did not mean to offend anyone with my question about "foreign-born" parents wishes for their children in regards to bilingual education. I posted the question because it was in complete contrast to all the rest of the studies and articles I have read about this issue. Namely, most articles concluded that Dual-language programs seemed to be the best way to teach English to children whose primary language is not English but also maintain their native language in the classroom. The study I posted a question about differed in this conclusion. I was, therefore, interested in receiving comments from all members internationally of their take on this contradiction.
I appreciate your comments and apologize for hitting a nerve with anyone.
Does anyone have any basic comments about Dual-language programs v. English immersion programs in general? Their experiences with both or either program in an educational setting, etc?

Foreign-born parents emphasis on their children learning English

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