Amy Lacey, the former principal of Hempstead Middle School, made national news this year: Amid allegations that she'd instructed students not to speak Spanish on the Hispanic-majority campus, Hempstead ISD's board placed her on administrative leave, then voted not to renew her contract. Lacey became a flashpoint in the debate over Spanish's place in American schools, but the terms of her administrative leave prohibited her from speaking to the media.

Now she writes:

As many know, on November 12, 2013, I made an announcement over the school's intercom in which I stated that the academic language in Texas is English, and the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test and TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) are in English. I informed students it would be best to speak English in the classrooms to the extent possible, in order to help prepare them for these tests. This is not my rule or that of the district, but per state regulation, consistent with Section 29.051 of the Texas Education Code:

English is the basic language of this state. Public schools are responsible for providing a full opportunity for all students to become competent in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending the English language. . . . The mastery of basic English skills is a

prerequisite for effective participation in the state's educational program.

Using English to the extent possible would also allow non-Spanish-speaking teachers a better opportunity to assess understanding and learning. This is in keeping with Title 19, Texas Administrative Code 89.1201(c):

The goal of ESL programs shall be to enable English language learners to become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language through the integrated use of second language methods. The ESL program shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, as well as mathematics, science, and social studies, as integral parts of the academic goals for all students to enable English language learners to participate equitably in school.

Also, Hempstead Board policy, regarding English as a Second Language programs, states:

An ESL program shall be an intensive program of instruction in English from teachers

trained in recognizing and dealing with language differences.

When I was hired as principal of Hempstead Middle School, it was made clear to me that Hempstead Middle School was to be an ESL campus. My announcement was in accordance with board policy, as well as supporting the efforts of teachers to prepare our students to be successful.

It is important to note that I did not ban the use of Spanish anywhere in the school or at any time, even though teachers had reported to me that they had experienced instances in which students had been asked to stop talking during instruction, and they responded that it was their right to speak Spanish -- ignoring the fact that they shouldn't have been speaking (in any language) during class without permission. The perception of the teachers was that students were being disrespectful and disrupting learning, and they believed they could get away with it by claiming racism.

Even so, I did not suggest that there would be any adverse consequences for any student speaking Spanish at any time. I merely encouraged students to speak English in classrooms by advising them that it would be to their advantage to do so especially with regard to state testing. English language immersion is an accepted best-practice teaching strategy, and Hempstead ISD board policy provides for its practice.

I want to thank the very many people in the community that have come to give me a hug and express their support even when true facts were never given to the media. What many may not know is that one is not afforded the opportunity to defend a position when placed on administrative paid leave. You are requested in your agreement with the district to refrain from communication with coworkers and community, restricted from attendance of district events and naturally not allowed communication with media.

On a further note, I think the public needs to know that in public education there are only one or two district personnel designated to talk to media, so any teachers that would have liked to speak on my behalf were not allowed without risking their job status.

I love this community and will continue to support its efforts to do what is best for all, most importantly our kids. God has given me a new path to walk and I am excited about my new journey. Once again I express great love for all who have supported and respected me during this challenging time and know that we will all move forward.