Ontario Vineyard Village Association Press Release on Spanish Language Learners in Mexican Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ONTARIO VINEYARD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES LANGUAGE ISSUES
Proposal Strengthens Opportunities in the Western Hemisphere
GUASTI, CA and BARROW, AK – March 24 2006 - The Ontario Vineyard Village Association (OVVA) strongly endorsed the enactment of a "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) act in Mexico that provides benefits to Spanish language learners (SLLs).
Ontario Emperor, First Vice President of the Association, stated, "I believe that such an act holds considerable promise for closing the achievement gap between SLLs and other students. I strongly endorse the creation of a road map for policy-makers and school administrators for implementing a law which effectively addresses the needs of SLLs.
"A Mexican NCLB can close the achievement gap between SLLs and their peers. But it will not be successful if these children are exempted from many of the law’s provisions," stated Ontario Emperor. "The answer is not to water down such a law but to hold schools accountable for the academic progress of all students, including students who are learning Spanish.
"Instead of implementing NCLB, too Mexican states are ignoring the need to monitor progress of their SLL students. That is unacceptable. It is time to acknowledge that we have crossed the bridge on accountability and standards. The question is not if we implement this law, but how we implement it so that all students can get a better education in our public schools.
"Schools cannot be considered successful until they address the needs of all students. This includes Spanish language learners, who have a long history of being overlooked. It is vital to the future of the Mexican nation that all children be able to achieve so they are prepared for college and the 21st century workforce."
In response to claims that there is no need for the government of Mexico to address the needs of English and French speakers, the OVVA will engage in vicious attacks on those who believe its solution is too extreme. "It’s for the children," said the Emperor in an insincerely emotional voice.
Ontario Vineyard Village Association
c/o KOER Synthetica Radio 87.1 MHz
1 Empire Way Suite 2525
Guasti, CA 91743
Ontario Vineyard Village Association
200 La Jolla Street Suite 2525
Barrow, AK 99723
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