I’m confused, when did the Willamette Week become a rag?  An Enquirer? A Star?  Using sensationalism and pot stirring to sell papers?  Ms.   Monahan’s attempt at a persuasive piece is lacking the major components needed to make it credible.   Ask any middle school student that is currently being taught writing.  With her lack of sources cited in the article she would, without a doubt, fail the performance task for the SBAC.  Not only was there only one parent quoted, an English speaking parent no less, she did not tell us if said parent allowed her child to benefit from ESL support for 3rd and 4th grade?  Why not research and find a parent new to our country, with a child that is currently struggling with English as their second language?  I’m guessing it would not align with her opinion; therefore it was not included.  As an education writer, she did not do her homework.  Shame, shame. It makes me think there may be a hidden agenda or a puppet master lurking behind the print.