Quote :

"lol, it's the typical... "we're above name calling and stereotyping, oh man I sure hate those stupid ignorant racist redneck backwoods nc people""

OMG WE'RE NOT TOLERANT OF INTOLERANCE LOL

Quote :

"Let me pose a question to sarijoul and boone.... Are you opposed to having a publicly funded school with only Western Culture as a curriculum?"

Yes, I'm for that. I teach at one, actually. It's called "99.8% of public schools."

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 4:57 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 4:56:31 PM

^^^

Quote :

"The Department of Education says that it will open a public school next fall dedicated to Arabic language and culture. "

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 4:57 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 4:56:47 PM

This is a school open to everyone.

It's goal is to teach a language.

That is all.

It's not for Arabs.

It's not for indoctrination.

Schools like this exist for every other language.

2/13/2007 4:56:54 PM

Quote :

"This is a school open to everyone. It's goal is to teach a language. That is all."

you need a whole school, a public school at that, just to teach a language?

my high school taught spanish, french and german...maybe some other languages...why do you need an entire school whos only goal is to "teach a language"?

2/13/2007 4:57:49 PM

The money would be better spent on providing more space for general curriculum. I'm not with these special public schools.

and region/state wasnt an issue until treetwistas usual stupid shit came into this thread.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 4:58 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 4:57:55 PM

^^do you understand what immersion is?

2/13/2007 4:58:20 PM

^^blame my supposed stupidity to cover up your hatred of america

Quote :

"dedicated to Arabic language and culture. "

BUT BOONEDOCKS SAID THE ONLY PURPOSE WAS TO TEACH A LANGUAGE? HE DIDNT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT DEDICATING THE WHOLE CURRICULUM TO THE CULTURE

2/13/2007 4:59:17 PM

^^^^ Is this really going over your heads?

Language immersion makes learning a language 203495563476x's easier. This school is dedicated to language immersion. It teaches all the other subjects, too.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:00 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 4:59:54 PM

Quote :

""The Department of Education says that it will open a public school next fall dedicated to Arabic language and culture. ""

Quote :

""The Department of Education says that it will open a public school next fall dedicated to Arabic language and culture. ""

Quote :

""The Department of Education says that it will open a public school next fall dedicated to Arabic language and culture. ""

Quote :

""The Department of Education says that it will open a public school next fall dedicated to Arabic language and culture. ""

2/13/2007 4:59:57 PM

Who cares if he said language or language and culture. It doesn't mean anything in the realm of this debate.

2/13/2007 5:00:59 PM

Quote :

"do you understand what immersion is?"

yeah...like study abroad

do you understand what a public school is?

Quote :

"Who cares if he said language or language and culture. It doesn't mean anything in the realm of this debate."

actually it means a lot...one implies "teaching a language"...the other implies "a curriculum dedicated to the arabic culture"

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:01 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:01:02 PM

I think you're taking "dedicated" a little too goddamn seriously. You should be intelligent enough to know that they're still going to have to teach the curricula required by the state of New York, which I will bet a kidney includes English, Math, Science, and History. And I'll go further to say that while it will probably teach a lot more Arab history than normal schools, it'll still be required to teach US and NY history.

Quote :

"my high school taught spanish, french and german...maybe some other languages...why do you need an entire school whos only goal is to "teach a language"?"

It is vastly more effective at teaching the language. People who go to immersion schools will be better in virtually every case in their language than people who took an hour a day class.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:02 PM. Reason : ]

2/13/2007 5:01:40 PM

Jesus. I feel like I'm explaining this to downs syndrome kids.

It's dedicated to the learning of Arabic and the culture. It's called immersion. It's done with all other languages. It's -the- best way to learn a language. Damn.

2/13/2007 5:02:10 PM

Quote :

"Who cares if he said language or language and culture. It doesn't mean anything in the realm of this debate. "

It means EVERYTHING when our tax dollars are funding it

2/13/2007 5:02:10 PM

Quote :

"You mean, I should be pissed off that going forward we'll have more people capable of speaking Arabic which will no doubt help with this whole crazy Islamist problem we got on our hands."

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:02 PM. Reason : answer that one pal]

2/13/2007 5:02:10 PM

more info:

Quote :

" NEW YORK (AP) _ The first New York City public school offering the Arabic language and culture is set to open in September. Named after the Lebanese poet and philosopher, the Khalil Gibran International Academy for grades 6-12 will be located in Brooklyn and be one of 40 new schools that the Department of Education plans for the 2007-2008 school year. All the new schools will be located in existing school buildings that are being closed for poor performance. The academy will receive funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Debbie Almontaser, the school's designated principal and a 15-year veteran of the school system, told The New York Times that the school ideally will serve an equal number of students with backgrounds in Arabic language and culture and those without such backgrounds. "We are wholeheartedly looking to attract as many diverse students as possible, because we really want to give them the opportunity to expand their horizons and be global citizens," she told the newspaper. "I see students who are excited about engaging in international careers, international affairs, wanting to come to our school," added Almontaser, who is fluent in Arabic. "I also see Arab-American students who would want the opportunity to learn Arabic, to read it and write it and have a better understanding of where their ancestors have come from." When it opens in September, only sixth grade will be offered, with another grade added each year, and eventually serving 500 to 600 students in grades 6-12. By the third year, the school hopes to offer half the classes in Arabic and half in English. The Department of Education is partnering with the nonprofit New Visions for Public Schools, which has been involved in the recent creation of dozens of small new schools, and the Arab-American Family Support Center, which will provide the Arabic instruction."

2/13/2007 5:02:58 PM

"ok kids, we're going to teach you how to speak French, but not a single thing about French culture"

2/13/2007 5:04:28 PM

Quote :

"blame my supposed stupidity to cover up your hatred of america"

If it was an issue of stance, then more people than just you would get called stupid on a regular basis. All this place ever is is ad-hominem attacks nowdays, and its coincided with the arrival of you, randy, and hooksaw. show me where this was an issue of region until you brought it up, you fucking dolt.

Look at GrumpyGOP. He's conservative, but noone ever attacks him the way they do you. Do you even realize WHY people call you stupid on here?

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:06 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:04:33 PM

^YOU DOLT

YOU ARE THE PROBLEM WITH SOAPBOX

IT WAS INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION UNTIL YOU ARRIVED

JUST LIKE AMERICA WAS PERFECT BEFORE BUSH

I DONT ACKNOWLEDGE MY OWN PROBLEMS WHEN I CAN BLAME DUMB REDNECKS

^^"ok kids, we're going to have a public school in america and focus all our teachings on the french culture, even though its an american public school"

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:06 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:05:58 PM

oh yeah and i think that learning a little about arab culture/history might help reading/speaking arabic. BUT WHO KNOWS MAYBE I'M WRONG.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:06 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:06:02 PM

Crazywade and? Do you have a problem with the American taught version of Arabic culture?

Or is this all just poo poo-ing another state's education policy b/c we learned all our news from the Fox Noise Channel?

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:07 PM. Reason : damn that was fast people]

2/13/2007 5:06:35 PM

Quote :

"OMG WE'RE NOT TOLERANT OF INTOLERANCE LOL"

does that apply to the intolerant jihadists as well?


say that all you want...but I've seen numerous posters in the SB who are supposed to be the "compassionate, pacifist, cultured, forward thinking", and the so called "well informed"...jump on people, attack people, make fun of where they are from, judge them because of how they voted, before you know shit about them

and you people act like you're above such activity, you're no beter than anyone else that you condemn... if you were true to your word you'd treat all people the same

and thats the same problem that lies within the democratic party.... elitism

2/13/2007 5:06:37 PM

Quote :

"I DONT ACKNOWLEDGE MY OWN PROBLEMS WHEN I CAN BLAME DUMB REDNECKS"

Did I ever do that you fucking moron? I'm from fucking NC and proud of it. What problems are we talking about here, something actually pertinant to the thread, or the fact that your political discussion doesnt get past ad-hominem attacks.

Quote :

"and thats the same problem that lies within the democratic party.... elitism"

And that isn't a problem in ANY other party? It's a problem in every political circle.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:09 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:08:19 PM

^^blah blah blah. what's the problem with one specialized school out of thousands in nyc being focused on arabic language and culture

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:09 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:08:45 PM

^^have you said anything pertinent to the thread lately or have you just picked on me? i guess thats what people like you do when you take the higher road and dont stoop to my level...you call me dolt and moron since you are so well prepared to discuss the issue and have the willpower of state409c when it comes to ignoring people

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:09 PM. Reason : ^^]

2/13/2007 5:09:19 PM

i make a point of not resorting to ad hom with you twista. yet you still do it to me. explain that. but not here. bttt.

2/13/2007 5:09:55 PM

Quote :

"what's the problem with one specialized school out of thousands in nyc being focused on arabic language and culture"

because its a public school

2/13/2007 5:10:46 PM

Quote :

"he money would be better spent on providing more space for general curriculum. I'm not with these special public schools. "

that was in my first post, i dont even support the stupid school because the money could be better spent elsewhere. now, go back and read what you contributed.

2/13/2007 5:11:14 PM

so nc school of the arts and charlotte latin and science and math should all should be shut down?

2/13/2007 5:11:39 PM

This isn't a school for arabs.


If we want to win the war on terror, wouldn't it be prudent to understand the enemy, their culture, and their language?

2/13/2007 5:11:49 PM

Quote :

"charlotte latin "

thats a PRIVATE SCHOOL so i dont know why it should be shut down

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:12 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:12:16 PM

Quote :

"does that apply to the intolerant jihadists as well?"

Yes, I dislike them very much, too. But way to play the America-hater card.

Quote :

"IT WAS INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION UNTIL YOU ARRIVED"

It wasn't intelligent, but it was at least above retarded until you arrived.

2/13/2007 5:12:20 PM

YOU DONT WANT US TO WIN, YOU ARE USING THIS FOR POLITICAL GAIN

2/13/2007 5:12:23 PM

sorry. it's been a long time since i interacted with them. substitute with the charlotte arts school, which is a magnet.

2/13/2007 5:12:51 PM

^^seems to be a fair assessment

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:13 PM. Reason : so much truth in your sarcasm]

2/13/2007 5:13:09 PM

^^^^yeah with intelligent shit like this

^^^

Quote :

""IT WAS INTELLIGENT DISCUSSION UNTIL YOU ARRIVED" It wasn't intelligent, but it was at least above retarded until you arrived."

I'M NOT AN IDIOT, YOU'RE AN IDIOT! I KNOW YOU ARE BUT WHAT AM I? ME? I'M ABOVE YOUR CHILDISHNESS!

Quote :

"If we want to win the war on terror, wouldn't it be prudent to understand the enemy, their culture, and their language?"

so now "the enemy" is all arabs? [/type of shit i'd get for making that same comment]

nutsmackr dont you think the "war on terror" is largely a scare tactic...would you want to force children to be inundated in the "enemy's culture" in 6th grade?

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:15 PM. Reason : /]

2/13/2007 5:13:27 PM

you don't agree with me, you're just an idiot!!!


and an uneducated intolerant bigot!!!!

2/13/2007 5:14:07 PM

So basically, you guys are against the most effective method of teaching a foreign language...

...why, again?

2/13/2007 5:14:13 PM

^nice spin

2/13/2007 5:15:42 PM

Quote :

"so now "the enemy" is all arabs? [/type of shit i'd get for making that same comment]"

no. the idea is that our enemies do mostly speak arabic right now. pretty simple logic. not that all arabic speakers are our enemies.

2/13/2007 5:16:17 PM

Liberals hate America. You ask why they push Global Warming so hard? It's because they wish to see American industry tank and confidence in conservative leadership (the politicians who drive the economy) collapse. Only then will they be able to push forth their radical socialist agenda, rolling back capitalism and our Constitution. Then, they will have the megalomaniacal control they desire.

2/13/2007 5:16:38 PM

Quote :

"the idea is that our enemies do mostly speak arabic right now. pretty simple logic."

funny how i'd say something like that 6 months ago and get berrated with the "OMG YOU FUCKING INTOLERANT UNCULTURED FUCK HOW DARE YOU STEREOTYPE"

2/13/2007 5:17:29 PM

and how is that relevant to this thread?

and regarding the actual discussion:
I initially thought that this would be an elementary school (because the first article didn't say and those are the most effective immersion schools), but it's apparently planned to be grades 6-12. it looks like it's more aimed at bridging cultures. I'm not as psyched about that (simply because it's not quite as effective) but I still think it's a pretty good idea.

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:21 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:18:34 PM

Quote :

"nice spin"

How is this spin?

We have schools that specialize in immersion.

It's the best way to teach. Period.

They teach all the other subjects, too; immersion is only one facet of the curriculum.

These schools exist for most other languages. No one cares.

One (1) is founded for Arabic. People shit their pants.

2/13/2007 5:21:33 PM

whoa, i dont understand why so many people have a problem with this. schools like this are exactly what we need if we ever want to make advancements with our current problems

the next thing you know one of you is going to have a problem with recruiting arabic speakers to intelligence positions because that would mean terrorist infiltration or something else retarded

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:23 PM. Reason : .]

2/13/2007 5:21:42 PM

^^^it just goes to show plenty of the shit i was previously called an idiot and racist for saying is now somewhat the norm now that some of you have your political corrent blinders off a little

also the tactic of asking the relevance to a thread....cute copout

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:24 PM. Reason : ^^^]

2/13/2007 5:22:27 PM

Quote :

"Liberals hate America. You ask why they push Global Warming so hard? It's because they wish to see American industry tank and confidence in conservative leadership (the politicians who drive the economy) collapse. Only then will they be able to push forth their radical socialist agenda, rolling back capitalism and our Constitution. Then, they will have the megalomaniacal control they desire"

who said you hate america?


I just think many of the stances that the left takes is utopian and nearly impossible

not everyone in this world wants world peace, there are people that would rather fight wars and cause destruction

not everyone wants to be prosperous... despite the help thats offered

I think liberals mean well for the most part, but I think the ideas they have for getting to the goal are idealistic and sometimes next to impossible

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:23 PM. Reason : ..]

2/13/2007 5:23:02 PM

we need this regardless of that

strike that, because of that

[Edited on February 13, 2007 at 5:24 PM. Reason : edit]

2/13/2007 5:23:52 PM

Quote :

"It's the best way to teach. Period."

How is immersing the students' in a foreign culture the best way to teach the public school curriculum

2/13/2007 5:25:08 PM

Ok, on topic now:

I don't see how Arabic immersion, or any language immersion, should be a responsibility of the public schools. The existing schools teach it well enough. Sure, immersion is the best way to learn, but how many of us will need fluency in Arabic? Now, Spanish, maybe, as our country starts to speak it more and more. Arabic is most useful to those going into the military. We have public training for them, and they get it during their basic training. It doesn't serve a pertinant need that can't be filled without such a school. It shouldn't be built w/ public dollars, which should go to build and maintain general public schools.

2/13/2007 5:25:36 PM