Foreign Languages Fade in Class--Except Chinese

[tonysam]

Thousands of public schools stopped teaching foreign languages in the last decade, according to a government-financed survey — dismal news for a nation that needs more linguists to conduct its global business and diplomacy.

But another contrary trend has educators and policy makers abuzz: a rush by schools in all parts of America to offer instruction in Chinese.

Some schools are paying for Chinese classes on their own, but hundreds are getting some help. The Chinese government is sending teachers from China to schools all over the world — and paying part of their salaries.

At a time of tight budgets, many American schools are finding that offer too good to refuse.

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Well, why not? The Chinese government already owns our country thanks to OUR companies having outsourced virtually our entire economy.

[Brickbat]

1. So sad. Foreign language is so important, no matter what language it is.

When I was in high school (20 years ago), my school offered five languages -- French, German, Spanish, Latin and Russian. After I graduated, they added Chinese. Now I think they just have French and Spanish. Very sad.

[tonysam]

2. I don't mind foreign language instruction--it is a good idea

But this is insane, I think, for a government to come over and have their instructors instruct our kids.

I have a problem with a government policy doing this, especially when that government already owns this country lock, stock, and barrel.

[mzteris]

3. there have been "teacher exchange" programs for decades . . .

with lots of other countries.

The Spanish govt has a similar program.

http://www.educacion.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/isas/concept.shtml

ANY foreign language taught at the youngest ages is a great idea. Chinese is so very difficult, it makes sense to start with that. After you've developed the secondary language center in the brain, it becomes relatively to learn any other language later in life.

I wish it had been available for my older son who was obsessed with learning Chinese. He started "saturday school" - one of the Chinese schools that meet on the weekends. It's typically for Chinese families living in America who want their children to learn Chinese written language skills. He started at 9? 10? I forget - and then started going to Concordia Language Villages in the summers, too.

After we moved, there was no "saturday school" class suitable for him so we hired a grad student at a tutor. I'm trying to make arrangements for him to get his other "official credit" for high school. Concordia's credit class is a month long and he also has to go to a ballet camp - and finding times that don't overlap is damn near impossible. If I can get the local University to let him take a class, I think the highschool will be okay with that. If not, well - I have a few other tricks up my sleeve!


Of course my younger son is in a Spanish immersion program = 5th grade, pretty fluent and literate. That charter public school that started it, influenced the school district to start their own spanish immersion programs, there are two elementary in place with some more planned. Because our students are now ready for middle school next year, the district is organizing the Middle-school immersion program (with the charters assistance in planning and development). They are also already in the planning stages for the High School Immersion program since our kids will need it in three years. I recommended they take a look at the above program. I think it would be GREAT!