Reply to Fairfax County-unequal opportunity for language learning?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I speak from some experience with foreign languages in the elementary school.  I taught school to DOD kids in Germany for a number of years.  The kids were taught German twice a week.  It was a “nice to have” program—and I think it is great to have that program.  However, in these times of tough budgets, it just does not have the value for the money.
First, the kids I taught were living in Germany. However, the  only children In my class who learned to speak German were the children who were living in German villages and playing with German children.  The children whose parents took them on trips and shopping also learned a little German.  They certainly developed an appreciation for the culture-but they were living in the country.  Sadly, some families seldom took their kids out “on the economy”.  Except for the German candy store down the street—and a few school field trips-, the children had little exposure.
Another thing about FLES: Here in FCPS there is little opportunity for follow-up.  For example, an elementary school might offer Chinese-but there is not a Chinese teacher in the middle school-or high school.
And, remember, there are many children in FCPS who speak English as a second language.  Do they benefit from a third language?
I think most elementary schools in FCPS probably do cultural days of some type.  Almost all teachers certainly encourage learning about other cultures.  However, the very best way to encourage learning about other cultures is to become friends with your neighbors who come from another country.
[/quote]

Sorry, but the fact of having taught overseas does not make you an expert, since you clearly didn't teach a foreign language. And yes, "in these times of tough budgets", the best thing we can do is support the wisest choice for the future, education. No one is saying that doing fles twice a week or even an immersion will make our kids fluent, and the people who are even bringing this up clearly don't know anything about language acquisition and learning. Foreign languages in elementary are a precious tool to help our kids grow up to be mature, well-rounded individuals both overseas and especially here at home. Study after study proves this, and I for one am more than happy to pay taxes for this. [/quote]

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