[EDLING:1520] Francis Hult is suggesting this article from Arab News

[Francis Hult]

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The Middle East's Leading English Language Daily
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30/04/2006
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Hello,

English Teaching to Be Implemented in Phases 
Francis Hult is suggesting the following article from
http://www.arabnews.com: 

English Teaching to Be Implemented in Phases 
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News 


JEDDAH, 29 April 2006 — Moves are under way to introduce the English
language to fourth grade students in Saudi government schools, Asharq
Al-Awsat newspaper reported yesterday quoting Haya Al-Ayad, an Education
Ministry official. The program will be carried out in phases.

She said a comprehensive curriculum-development program would be
implemented next year. “The move to introduce English language from
grade four has been considered in light of the Eighth Five-Year
Development Plan (2005-2010),” she added.

Al-Ayad said it would be difficult for the Saudi society to accept
teaching of English language at primary level due to the influence of
Arabic language. 

“The new plan will be carried out in phases after conducting a
feasibility study,” she said.

The official said the new English-language program for primary schools
was designed for both girls and boys, focusing on the principles of the
language. She noted that there was wide acceptance for English among
Saudi girls.

“We have noticed that only a few number of girls fail in
English-language examinations,” the official pointed out. “English is an
important subject which children should learn at home before going to
school.”

Spelling out the significance of English in modern world, Al-Ayad said
it is the key to modern science and technology and brings world people
closer. 

“If our youth fail to learn English, they will not be able to interact
with other peoples and cultures,” she explained.

The Education Ministry has already embarked on a project to revise
English-language textbooks taught in the intermediate schools in the
light of the feedback received from teachers. 

The lack of an adequate number of qualified Saudi or other Arab teachers
in English has hamstrung government efforts to introduce English
teaching at an early stage. At present, there are 20,000 male and female
English-language teachers in government schools.

With pressure mounting for Saudization and resistance from the private
sector to hire more Saudis in view of their deficiency in English, the
Ministerial Council passed a resolution three years ago calling for the
integration of IT courses and English-language teaching in the school
curriculum.

 	
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