proposition 58 introduces multilingual school programs

Whether it be to gain a better education, attend a world-famous college or pursue better job opportunities, the number of foreign students immigrating to the U.S. has been steadily growing. One of the greatest obstacles that these students have to face is becoming proficient at English. To combat this, Proposition 58 introduces a solution that helps international students smoothly and comfortably assimilate into their new educational and social environments.

Proposition 58 mandates schools to accommodate students who are not proficient in English by hiring teachers who speak their native language. Currently, there are no such protections for foreign students, and as a result they face difficulties in their classes. Therefore, this proposition will change the lives of foreign students for the better.

According to U.S. News, the number of immigrant children in the U.S. grew by 51 percent from 1995 and 2014, and many of these prospective students do not speak English proficiently. Unfortunately, they find themselves overwhelmed as they settle into their new surroundings, adjust to a new culture and learn a completely new language. Thus, Proposition 58 would be instrumental in smoothing out the transition for international students. Having a native language-speaking teacher could be a comforting presence for them and could help guide them through the obstacles they have to overcome.

“If Prop 58 had been passed when I first moved to the United States, it would have helped my family and me a lot,” freshman Nao Norizuki said. “Since the U.S. school system and the Japanese school system are so different, I had to learn a lot of new things like where I was supposed to eat lunch or where the bus stop was located. There was no one who could help me, so I had to figure everything out on my own.”

However, school budgets could prove a huge problem in hiring new teachers. According to the California Department of Education (CDE), Peninsula has one of the lowest budgets in the state. The budget shortcomings could prevent schools from meeting the requirements set by the proposition.

Regardless, it is imperative that the concerns of all students are met, and Proposition 58 represents a huge step forward in that regard. The U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse, and its schools now need to embrace that diversity. Through native language-speaking teachers, foreign students will become more involved in their school communities and ensure that they get the most out of their educational experience.