Traveling from one place to another in most foreign countries, Americans find it's not terribly difficult to find someone who fluently speaks English. The reverse scenario is quite different. Residents of foreign countries find most Americans speak just their native tongue.
This phenomenon wasn't always true. Many of us have multi-lingual parents or grandparents. So its heartening the Superior School District is reviewing second-language options. As transportation and communication systems get faster and better, the world gets smaller. In the future, a growing number of U.S. residents likely will experience the need to know additional languages.
School Board members on Monday will accept input on two options, as explained today in a Daily Telegram cover story. One, called Foreign Language in Elementary School, is a part-time program. The other is a full immersion curriculum that doesn't incorporate English until second grade.
Fortunately, board members are proceeding slowly on this matter. That will give parents the time they need to fully examine options, including some that failed to make the cut. They should do so while assessing the possible impacts of these programs -- on their children and on themselves.
A couple obvious questions emerge. How well-equipped are parents to assist their kids under each option? And how well can a child transition into a regular curriculum if they should fail in the language program?
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As always, district officials must weigh whether they can afford a new program. Further, is it worth investing into a new venture given the possibility it may have to be discontinued by future budget constraints?
The question is not whether the programming is necessary, but how it should be delivered. Take the opportunity Monday to share your opinions and concerns.
