Final answer:
Inhibiting students' use of their native language is counterproductive to developing proficiency in English.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that inhibiting students' use of their native language is counterproductive to developing proficiency in English is true. Research has shown that students taught in both their native tongue and English make better progress than those taught only in English. Allowing students to learn in and use their authentic voices, including nonstandard dialects, is a more equitable practice that is both culturally responsible and beneficial to learning.