In a move orchestrated by Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Scottsdale parent has filed a lawsuit against a Phoenix school district over its dual language program. This legal action comes shortly after a judge dismissed a similar lawsuit initiated by Horne himself, citing his lack of authority under state law to file it.

Patricia Pellett’s Involvement

Patricia Pellett, a parent within the Scottsdale Unified School District, has stepped forward as the plaintiff in this new lawsuit. Pellett, whose husband immigrated to the United States from China at a young age without any English proficiency, advocates for full immersion in English-language education. She argues that dual language programs impede English language acquisition, especially for students already speaking their native language at home.

Proposition 203 and Horne’s Agenda

The legal battle is deeply rooted in Proposition 203, a ballot measure passed in 2000 with a 60% approval rate, which ended dual language learning for non-English speakers in Arizona. Horne, with a longstanding commitment to eliminating dual language programs, emphasizes the effectiveness of structured English immersion in achieving academic success for English Language Learners (ELLs).

Carmen Horne’s Legal Representation

Carmen Horne, an attorney and Tom Horne’s wife, is representing Pellett in this lawsuit. Drawing from her own experience immigrating from Cuba, Carmen highlights the benefits of English immersion, citing her rapid language acquisition within four months of arrival in the United States.

Creighton School District’s Response

The lawsuit specifically targets the Creighton School District, situated in Phoenix, which defends its ‘dual language immersion model’ as approved by the State Board of Education for English Language Development. Despite facing legal challenges, district officials affirm their commitment to parental choice and community-supported programs.

Governing Board Member’s Perspective

Katie Gipson-McLean, a member of the Creighton School District Governing Board, voices opposition to the lawsuit. Gipson-McLean emphasizes the value of linguistic diversity and expresses frustration over the legal action’s severity, which includes demands for the removal of board members from office.

District’s Dual Language Initiatives

Gipson-McLean reveals that the district hosts dual language immersion programs at two of its schools, which she believes enhance student success. She perceives the lawsuit as an attempt to halt these programs and expresses skepticism towards the motives behind the legal action.

Horne’s Strategy and Future Steps

Tom Horne remains resolute in his pursuit, appealing the dismissal of his original lawsuit and encouraging parental involvement in legal challenges against school districts. He aims to set a precedent that will compel other districts to comply with Proposition 203, asserting that ten districts are currently violating the law.

In this contentious legal battle, stakeholders advocate for their respective positions, with the outcome poised to impact language education policies statewide.

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