ESOL News Network--Sample Editorial

Editorial: Should Schools Have Bilingual or Multicultural Newspapers?

by LaMar

GRADE 11, WHEATON HS

For a fact we know that most schools have newspapers. We also know that there are many students with different ethnic backgrounds. So my questiions is: Should there be a bilingual or multicultural school newspaper?

Well...look at it this way. We know that most of the students know or understand English, but what about the ones that do not? Do we leave them behind?

No. There are too many new students from other countries every year with different cultural backgrounds and languages. While they are adjusting and learning the new language, they will miss what is going on in their school, and most important, the different kinds of opportunities that are offered, such as sports, clubs, or help that is provided in different subjects.

Of course, there will be people who think it will not be fair for them. But the idea of the newspaper is to just translate the same stuff that is written in English. There are also people who will say that these students came to this country to learn English and to do so they need no translation. Well, that might be true, but after having more than five classes in English, why not give them something that will tell them about what is happening and keep them informed? We should not leave them out or not let them discover the many opportunities that are offered. After all, they came to this country because of what is said--the United States is a country of opportunities.

A percentage of students are being left out, because of the language wall, and we do not want them to be separated by a wall. In fact, we want to make them feel welcome.

So the final point is that there should be a bilingual or multicultural student newspaper which will keep all students informed and give them the opportunity to succeed and take advantage of all the opportunities provided. It will also help the students to be a part of their school and community.

Sample Editorial