English Language Advocacy Report

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Introduction I would like to commence my advocacy plan by quoting a statement by Professor Jenna Shim on a teacher’s view of the use of English Language Learners’ (ELLs) first language, which will serve merely to come up with a short comment of what I am planning to advocate for ELLs in general. The paragraph is as follows:

“In my teaching, I do not usually make reference to the home language of the ELL students I have in class, and I also do not allow my students to speak in their home language in class. I offer practical advice to the ELL students who wish to maintain their home language, but allowing students to speak in their home language at school does not help the students learn English.” (Shim, 2014, p. 47)

The aforementioned statement …show more content…

In this view, the ELLs cultural and linguistic diversity requires that schools in general and teachers in particular view this phenomenon as an opportunity to promote a culturally and linguistically education diversity where all students feel accommodated. However, when considering a diverse and inclusive education, many issues/aspects evolve regarding ELL language proficiency. One of these issues is the teachers’ beliefs, attitudes and their impact on how ELLs delimit or enhance their English Language skills, and how prepared teachers are to deal with ELLs and their family …show more content…

Another aspect which require constant ELLs advocacy is the teachers’ beliefs and attitudes. Olvera (2015) argued that teachers hold negative stereotypes about ELLs which have effects on students’ ability to be proficient in English. These negative ideas have grounded on many different sources. Olvera (2015) stated that teachers’ negative impression of ELLs stems from historical, political, and social influence, and the curriculum taught. Just to mention that all these factors are far beyond the teachers’ control, but still, they place influence due to practices and policies of the teaching English. The bilingual programs, in Olvera’s opinion, do not necessarily promote bilingualism/biculturalism hence they serve as a way to immerse into English only. On the one hand, I disagree with the author at this point because there is much evidence-based research supporting that Bilingualism education fosters tolerance. On the other hand, I agree with the author that promoting bilingualism means instructions must be provided in both

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