VII. Sharing Ideas

A. Issues

Debate these issues in small groups. Then choose one and write about it.

1. Do bilingual education programs advance or slow down the academic development of immigrant students? Would all-day contact with American students help them more?

2. Should American public schools educate children who are in the U.S. illegally?

3. Should children who do very well in school be allowed to skip a grade? Should academically slow children be required to repeat a grade (be retained or failed)? Or is it better to keep children with their age group even if the schoolwork is too easy or too hard?

4. Should parents who send their children to parochial schools receive financial assistance from the government, or would that violate the constitutional requirement of separation of church and state?

B. On a Personal Note

Write about one of these topics.

1. What changes would you recommend to improve American schools?

2. If you had school-age children, would you educate them at home? Why or why not?

3. Compare American schools to schools in another country you're familiar with. Point out similarities and/or differences. In your opinion, which school system does a better job? Explain why.

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