Controversy Over Mandarin Immersion Program

May 16 - KGO (KGO) -- Palo Alto schools have a new issue that is stirring up a lot of emotions around language education. It already has a Spanish immersion program, but a proposal for a Mandarin immersion program is causing some controversy.

Palo Alto schools have a successful Spanish immersion program, but more than 300 people have now signed a petition questioning the idea of a similar program teaching Mandarin.

Jenny Kiratli, petition organizer: "Just about everybody questioned things like why Mandarin, why one school, why one language, what about language for all? It was the same theme over and over."

Grace Mah is behind the push for Mandarin immersion. She says now is the perfect time for such a program.

Grace Mah, Mandarin immersion advocate: "There is a lot of interest in languages specifically from countries that are economic and political powers, and so Mandarin really makes sense."

The project would involve 240 students over a period of six years starting in kindergarten and teaching those students all subjects in both English and Mandarin.

Parent Pamela Hornick has reservations.

Pamela Hornik, parent: "Few people get those spots and creating another program like that I think has been very divisive as well for this community."

In fact the proposal has become so divisive, the word racism has entered the debate.

Grace Mah: "With respect to the racial tension, I mean it exists and certainly it's not easy or comfortable to talk about."

Jenny Kiratli: "I think that is a very unfortunate direction. There is nothing in this debate that is racially based."

School board member Gail Price says her opposition to the proposal is based strictly on the limited number of students who would benefit.

Gail Price, Palo Alto School Board Member: My difficulty is it's creating a special opportunity. It would be a lottery program for a limited number of students in Palo Alto Unified School District."

The school district says if the Mandarin immersion proposal goes forward it would need to be funded through grants and private donations and not take money away from other programs.

A team which includes an outside consultant will now study the issue and make a recommendation in January.

>> <font color="red">Video On Demand: Build Your Own Newscast</font>

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•