Foreign language in middle school

[Anonymous]

Child brought home form to choose classes at the home middle school today.
(Gaithersburg Middle). It shows that for 6th grade they only offer Spanish A. When I was in school (not here) language wasn't offered until 9th grade, so I guess we should be thankful. We also got in to Parkland middle, and they offer Spanish and French (both the full year and the semester content taught over a year versions, and Chinese A. I was wondering what was the variety of languages offered at county middles. What is offered where your kids go?

[Anonymous]

We're in Bethesda. The middle schools around us offer French, Spanish and Chinese. One school offers Italian.

[Anonymous]

We are in Rockville and have French, Spanish and Chinese. 6th graders have to take only the 1/2 year class though and the third year is not offered till HS

[Anonymous]

Gaithersburg only has Spanish? I find that odd since they are a continuation of the French immersion magnet. Maybe they only offer higher level French courses for the kids in the magnet program.

[Anonymous]

According to the Gaithersburg MS website, they have both Spanish and French, and it also mentions a French immersion program. Maybe contact them if you prefer French over Spanish? Here's the links:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/gaithersburgms/departments/foreignlang.aspx

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/gaithersburgms/departments/frenchimmersion.aspx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gaithersburg only has Spanish? I find that odd since they are a continuation of the French immersion magnet. Maybe they only offer higher level French courses for the kids in the magnet program.

I would think half the kids in Gaithersburg High School already speak Spanish. They need to offer something else.

[Anonymous]

I believe there is a dearth of good foreign language teachers in MCPS.

So, If I was not a native speaker or had access to a native speaker who could help the child when needed - I would pick Spanish, because there are more Spanish teachers and resources available.

At the very least - all kids need to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

My two cent and experience with foreign language instruction in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gaithersburg only has Spanish? I find that odd since they are a continuation of the French immersion magnet. Maybe they only offer higher level French courses for the kids in the magnet program.

I would think half the kids in Gaithersburg High School already speak Spanish. They need to offer something else.

Snob

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe there is a dearth of good foreign language teachers in MCPS.

So, If I was not a native speaker or had access to a native speaker who could help the child when needed - I would pick Spanish, because there are more Spanish teachers and resources available.

At the very least - all kids need to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

My two cent and experience with foreign language instruction in MCPS.

Why do all kids need to be bi-lingual in English and Spanish?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe there is a dearth of good foreign language teachers in MCPS.

So, If I was not a native speaker or had access to a native speaker who could help the child when needed - I would pick Spanish, because there are more Spanish teachers and resources available.

At the very least - all kids need to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

My two cent and experience with foreign language instruction in MCPS.

Why do all kids need to be bi-lingual in English and Spanish?

Welcome to 2014.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe there is a dearth of good foreign language teachers in MCPS.

So, If I was not a native speaker or had access to a native speaker who could help the child when needed - I would pick Spanish, because there are more Spanish teachers and resources available.

At the very least - all kids need to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

My two cent and experience with foreign language instruction in MCPS.

Why do all kids need to be bi-lingual in English and Spanish?

Because of the demographics in this country is changing. In 50 years Hispanics will be the majority, being bilingual in English and Spanish will be a requirement!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gaithersburg only has Spanish? I find that odd since they are a continuation of the French immersion magnet. Maybe they only offer higher level French courses for the kids in the magnet program.

I would think half the kids in Gaithersburg High School already speak Spanish. They need to offer something else.

Snob

Not necessarily. There is Spanish for native speakers and student find it a cakewalk. Just like if you are a native English speaker, you do not necessarily have the requisite vocabulary or writing skills in English.

Remember the debate over Ebonics many years ago?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gaithersburg only has Spanish? I find that odd since they are a continuation of the French immersion magnet. Maybe they only offer higher level French courses for the kids in the magnet program.

I would think half the kids in Gaithersburg High School already speak Spanish. They need to offer something else.

Snob

Not necessarily. There is "Spanish for native speakers" and students DON'T find it a cakewalk. Just like if you are a native English speaker, you do not necessarily have the requisite vocabulary or writing skills in English.

Remember the debate over Ebonics many years ago?

[Anonymous]

I hate the fact that in our school 6th graders who received Advanced MSA's scores have to take Reading in 6th grade. At other Middle Schools in the county, 6th graders with Advance MSA scores can take Reading or begin a language.

Conversely, at our Middle School children have to take a language in 7th grade or be referred to a Resource Period. In Maryland, languages are for High School credit and go on a child's High School transcript. Why not give children opportunities if they wish to take an Art elective or Science elective and postpone language till High School?

Then also there is the lack of variety in languages to choose from: Spanish or French at our school. When I attended MCPS, I was able to take Latin and it greatly helped me with the SAT's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate the fact that in our school 6th graders who received Advanced MSA's scores have to take Reading in 6th grade. At other Middle Schools in the county, 6th graders with Advance MSA scores can take Reading or begin a language.

Conversely, at our Middle School children have to take a language in 7th grade or be referred to a Resource Period. In Maryland, languages are for High School credit and go on a child's High School transcript. Why not give children opportunities if they wish to take an Art elective or Science elective and postpone language till High School?

Then also there is the lack of variety in languages to choose from: Spanish or French at our school. When I attended MCPS, I was able to take Latin and it greatly helped me with the SAT's.

MCPS offers more languages than just Spanish and French. It just depends on the school. Some elementary schools have Chinese, some High Schools have Italian, it just depends.