US: Budget woes frustrate foreign language goals

[Francis Hult]

The Washington Post

 

Budget woes frustrate foreign language goals

 

The Fairfax County School Board took a sharp detour from America's aversion to learning foreign languages when it adopted an ambitious goal in 2006 that language instruction should start early and graduates should be able to speak two languages. 

 

In an increasingly interconnected world, school leaders reasoned, English is insufficient to succeed at international business or diplomacy. Fairfax County, a cosmopolitan suburb near a seat of world power, where 40 percent of students hear or speak another language at home, seemed a natural place to make foreign language instruction a top priority. 

 

Lean budget years have tested that resolve. In tough times, parents and board members are debating whether foreign language instruction, particularly in early years, is fundamental or a frill. 

 

Full story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111603611.html

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