For English Language Learners Everything Is an Uphill Battle

Editor’s Note: Irantzu Pujadas, a reporter with EGP News in Los Angeles, talked to students about the challenges of going to school without knowing English. This story was supported through a New America Media education fellowship program.

“Not to be fluent in English is a disadvantage,” says Nalliber Ruiz, a 17-year-old Bell Gardens High School student from Colombia. “But at the same time, it is a challenge for me [to learn].”

Ruiz came to the U.S as a teenager. She says she was surprised to find most of her teachers spoke Spanish, which made it easier for her to adapt to the local school system. But, she adds, the results have been a little disappointing.”*

Stumble it! | |