Spanish Class??

I just want to know what they're teaching my kids in Spanish class at school.

Last night I asked the middle one:  "Como se llama?" (What's your name?)  And he responded:  "Bien!" (Good!)  He brought home a Spanish assignment (due Monday) that I have No Idea how we're going to complete: research and write (in Spanish) a short report on "The Bus" as a means of transportation.  Heck, I couldn't even do that!  And it's 20% of his grade!  Well, like I told him, it's OK if he flunks Spanish.  And Social Studies (which is required to be taught in Spanish.)  And did I mention that he didn't even know he had an assignment?  The only reason I know he has an assignment is because I happened to find it written out on a piece of paper in his backpack.  He said his teacher handed him the paper, said something in Spanish, and walked away.  He had no idea what it was.

Maybe we'll just do that report in English.  I think we can manage that.

The oldest one recently had to write a very simple report for Social Studies:  the teacher told him the topic, told him the website to go to, and told him what sub-topics to cover.  Tonight I asked him how he'd done that report; had he understood anything he'd read?  "No, I just copied down the first sentence under each topic.  I have no idea what I wrote."

The littlest one seems to have a much firmer grasp on Spanish overall and can even ask intelligent questions like "Es de miyo?"  ("Is this mine?").  And understand the answer.  But even he tells me I have to say "Granada" (instead of "De nada") when he says "Gracias."

I just have a Whole New Perspective on kids who show up in American schools not speaking a word of English.  And can I just mention that I can not possibly say enough nice things about ESL teachers and programs?  'Cause, honey, I've seen it from the other side, and it just ain't pretty!

So, if you're an ESL teacher and you're reading this, pat yourself on the back for me and, please, have a WONDERFUL day!!  You're my hero.