We are writing to express our collective concern about the proposed changes to the Filipino World Language in Elementary School (WLES) program at Bessie Carmichael PK-8 School/Filipino Education in the 2023–2024 school year, combined 4th and 5th grade Filipino WLES classes.

While the language pathway program is open to all students regardless of their racial/ethnic identity, Filipino WLES is particularly important for the Filipino American community. Consolidating the 4th and 5th grade Filipino WLES classes would undermine the learning and development for our rising 4th and 5th graders, and limit access to learning Filipino language and culture in the school district.

Many Filipino American students and families are part of the Filipino WLES community, and the school has a long history of providing a safe and supportive environment for them - - especially for our newcomer families. Consolidating the 4th and 5th grade Filipino WLES classes would disrupt the community's linguistic and cultural identity, and students may be placed in classes that might not provide the same level of support.

Consolidating the 4th and 5th grade Filipino WLES classes may also mean that students would have to wait for their turn to get support which would take away valuable time that could be spent on learning and personal growth. This would be especially detrimental to those who rely on small group discussions or one-on-one tutoring due to their higher needs or limited English proficiency.

Furthermore, Filipino WLES classes has a strong track record of academic achievements. Consolidating Filipino WLES would mean losing this academic advantage and potentially harming the future prospects of the students who attend.

It is essential that the SFUSD prioritize the needs and well-being of its students and communities, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Consolidating the upper grade Filipino WLES classes would be a step backward in achieving this goal and would harm the academic and personal development of the students who attend this school. Consolidation also breaks the district’s commitment to strengthening Filipino language access, which was promised after the dual language immersion feasibility study.

In conclusion, we demand the school district to reconsider the proposed consolidation of the 4th and 5th grade Filipino WLES classes and instead focus on supporting and strengthening the school and its community. All students deserve the best possible education, and consolidating the two classes would only serve to undermine their learning and development.

Sincerely,
Families, Friends and Advocates of the Filipino WLES at SFUSD