BY ZOE SHIR
When students take a class their main goal is often not only pass but to also comprehend the material. Sure you can get an A by cheating off your neighbor, but if the class is a continuing course how are you benefiting? You’re not. For many students Spanish courses are a breeze, while for others it’s an ongoing challenge. In South Florida there is a large Hispanic population, making Spanish a necessity to know. Nevertheless, while a vast majority of non-Hispanics take this course, Hispanics do as well. These Spanish speakers walk into the classroom already advanced in the language. How Is it fair to let students take a course on a subject they have already mastered when they are tested the same way as non-native speakers? Non-natives speakers have to work twice as hard and this advantage in the classroom is unfair and hinders the learning process for both parties.
Teaching a foreign language requires teachers to speak and interact with students in order for them to learn. Some teachers may even offer extra credit to those students who can write down translations the quickest and most accurately. Since native speakers grew up speaking the language they are substantially more likely to win. This causes an imbalance in the classroom and non-natives speakers are likely to become discouraged.
According to Huffington Post, 51% of high school students stop taking Spanish courses after they reach their required two classes. This is not because the students don’t understand the material, but because they simply cannot keep up with the Spanish speakers, whose high grades and little effort result in frustrated non-native speakers. At CCHS Spanish speakers now make up a majority the AP Spanish class.
Broward County Schools used to offer a Spanish For Spanish Speakers Course that allowed native speakers to have higher -level conversations and improve their grammar. Due to a lack of funding the class has been canceled and this is affecting the students by creating an advantage to a select few.
There is evidence is there to prove Spanish Speakers have an advantage and will do better on tests such as benchmarks. According to WorldReference.com, a majority of native speakers scored in the 90th percentile. These Spanish speakers excel on these diagnostic tests from the start, and even by the end of the year non-native students score significantly lower than the native speakers.
Schools need to create funds to include a Spanish For Spanish Speakers class in the curriculum. A more condensed learning environment will help students gain a better understanding and keep an even playing field for all students.
