This is kind of a spin off on the immigration post. But my question is

Do you think that children in America's school systems should be required to learn Spanish?

Yes or No and why or why not?

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

Required NO but we have encouraged our oldest to take Spanish and will encourage our youngest when the time comes.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I completely agree.

NO. We moved here from San Antonio and my two elementary school kids were required to take Spanish. Now I can understand my daughter taking it (and she did quite well) but my son is on an IEP and has several learning disabilities... can we have him study English and get to grade level before you throw in another language? He was frustrated for most of the two years we lived there.

I understand that it is easier for children to learn a second language than it is for High School kids, but I think it should be parental choice, not forced upon the child/parent by the state/school district.

This is kind of a spin off on the immigration post. But my question is

Do you think that children in America's school systems should be required to learn Spanish?

Yes or No and why or why not?


I think that a second language should be required in our schools beginning at the elementary level. It doesn't matter to me if it's Spanish, French, Latin, mandarin Chinese, Esperanto, Ork, or Klingon, they should be required to learn, and really learn, a language other than English.

American children are the only ones in the developed world who are taught to think that everyone else in the world should speak their language, but they're not expected to learn anyone else's language.

I've had five foreign exchange students living in our house (from Mexico, Poland, Albania, Georgia, and Germany) and each of these students was fluent in at least three languages. Our Albanian student was the funniest- we'd ask her how many languages she spoke, and her reply was essentially "How many TV stations are there?"

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I agree with this.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

:yes

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

Agree.

I don't really think they should be REQUIRED to learn it. While it may be useful, if you stick a bunch of people in a class that they could care less about then what are they really going to learn? That goes for any type of class in general really.

I know you have to have foreign language credits to even graduate, unless that changed.. o_O I did well in class, but I could have cared less about spanish so I don't remember anything that I learned.

Not necessarily Spanish, but I do think in general foreign language learning needs to be more prevalent, and start earlier in this country. But, that has nothing to do at all with my views on immigration, rather my views on education in general and the fact that it is much easier (generally) to learn languages the younger one starts.

I don't however, think we should be forced to learn a new language simply because immigrants refuse to assimilate... but that's an entirely different thread.

I agree with sdshorty. I think any second language is beneficial. once you know one others are usually easy to learn as well.

Growing up we were required to take a foreign language for at least 2 years in high school. I took Spanish. I think that it is easier to teach them while younger but I also agree that it shouldn't have to be just Spanish. I think it should be any langauage. Or they could even have a language class where in each grade or after so long they learna different language.

yes i think spanish should be required and its not because i am simply married to someone who is spanish. i looked at several websites looking for the amount of people in the world spoke spanish and the percentage of the world speaks english and was surprised. i knew that spanish was one of the most prevalent languages but i did not know that knowing spanish would allow you to be able to decipher so many other languages as well. so i copied and pasted this from the language database because i believe that they expressed this so much better than i could have.

"The majority of Spanish vocabulary is derived from Latin. Many words came from Greek, Basque and Celtic. The Visigot invasion in the 5th century added Germanic words. Three centuries later Spanish got a lot of Arabic loan words from the islamic occupiers. The majority of these words can be recognized by the prefix al. In the 11th century a lot of French pilgrims visited the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. This way French words entered the Spanish language. In the 15th and 16th centuries Spanish was influenced by Italian via the Aragonese rule in Italy. Because of its close ties with its colonies, a great number of indian loan words entered the language. Finally, in the 20th century, Spanish borrowed many English words.
Spanish grammar is closely related to the grammar of other romance languages (French, Portuguese, Italian, ...). Spanish does use the subjunctive a lot more than any other modern language. Reciprocal verbs have a much more idiomatic use. Spanish knows two genders, although the neutral noun lo occurs as well (no lo hizo: he did not do it).

In 2000, Spanish became the 2nd most widely spoken language in the world. (1st is Mandarin Chinese. 3rd is English). Many peoples of the world speak Spanish as a 2nd language, particularly from the US, Japan, and Brazil. "

This is kind of a spin off on the immigration post. But my question is

Do you think that children in America's school systems should be required to learn Spanish?

Yes or No and why or why not?

No we live in America. We should speak English. I think that when they get to High School they should have a choice of what they want to learn. I took French one year and then I took Spanish. Unless you decide as a parent you want to teach them they should not be forced to learn.

Encouraged, yes. Required, No.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I agree. Every country I have visited required kids to learn a second language in school. It doesn't necessary has to be Spanish but I believe if it wont harm my kids and will actually give them more knowledge or something that will eventually benefit them then why not? I'm all for it and even if they don't require it at school, I will do everything I can for my kids to learn a second language and hopefully more than that.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

:agree

Growing up in Southern California I think Spanish is a huge asset. Afterall, most of the population speaks it. However, being in North Carolina right now, I haven't run into a single Spanish speaking person all week. I think a second language should be required, but I think what language should be up to the student. However, I feel teaching children another laguage in elementry school is a great thing expecially if the region almost requires it like So. Cal. I really wish it had been required when I was in school.

sadly though it is easier for a child to acquire language in elementary school and younger.

I think that a second language should be required in our schools beginning at the elementary level. It doesn't matter to me if it's Spanish, French, Latin, mandarin Chinese, Esperanto, Ork, or Klingon, they should be required to learn, and really learn, a language other than English.

American children are the only ones in the developed world who are taught to think that everyone else in the world should speak their language, but they're not expected to learn anyone else's language.

I've had five foreign exchange students living in our house (from Mexico, Poland, Albania, Georgia, and Germany) and each of these students was fluent in at least three languages. Our Albanian student was the funniest- we'd ask her how many languages she spoke, and her reply was essentially "How many TV stations are there?"

I agree that children should learn a language other then English, however I don't think it should be required. If DB and I end up having kids he wants them to learn Russian. If they were required to learn a language, they most likely wouldn't have the choice to learn that particular one. Not that it will kill them to learn more then 2 but my point is will they really have a good choice about what language they want to learn (or that their parents want then to learn)?
It is incredible how many more languages people in the rest of the world speak. Here it seems like we take 2 years of something and that is it.
This video is so funny, this debate reminded me of it lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngRq82c8Baw

sadly though it is easier for a child to acquire language in elementary school and younger.

You are right, that is why I believe it should be required from Grade school, not wait until High school. It has been studied (I took a child psychology class) and shown that children can easily aquire a second language up to the age of 11. After the age of eleven, they begin to lose that ability to absorb a second language, so by the time they are in high school, unless they are 100% immersed in that language, its virtually impossible to actually learn a second language. Anyone ever wonder why almost NOONE who takes 2 years of a language in high school actually remembers it? IMO it really is pointless to take a second language for 2 years as late as high school, its a waste of time unless that student plans to immerse themselves in the language. However, if a child begins learning a new language in 1st grade and continues the study of that language all the way through high school, they will be at a great advantage.

This is kind of a spin off on the immigration post. But my question is

Do you think that children in America's school systems should be required to learn Spanish?

Yes or No and why or why not?

Nope. In fact, I refuse to put my kids into a school that requires my children to take Spanish. I know that it sounds horrible, but my family is German. I was raised in Germany, I have family in Germany. I don't have any Spanish speaking family. I'd rather my kids were able to communicate with my family.

All children should be exposed to and encouraged to learn a foreign language. Even if they are an exceptional student. If you can speak one language, you can learn another. Really you can.
Currently only a handful of states and various school districts require a foreign language credit to graduate.
The US is the ONLY 1st world nation not to require a second language component to education.
Mandrin is the most spoke language in the world. However, English is spoken in MORE places (this explains why other nation teach their students English). The most difficult aspect of teaching children a foreign language is finding the teachers and deciding which language to focus on.

IMO, Latin would be the way to go. It is the base of Spanish, French, Romanian, Portuguese, and Italian. Latin would also increase children's vocabulary knowledge which would then increase their reading ability.
Research shows that once a children has learned a 2nd language their brain pathways are changed, they will be able to process more information and it becomes much easier to learn the next language.

Another GOOD reason for requiring a Foreign Language is economics. If you are going to apply for a job, let's say Wal-Mart greeter. If another applicant can speak English and anther language, like Spanish, who will Wal-Mart hire? Who is going to be more valuable to the company?

Our world is becoming smaller in relation to economies and culture. We have to prepare our children for that reality, not the one that we grew up in. They need to know how to do jobs that we don't even know will exist in twenty years. Scary, huh?

I do think that students should learn a foreign language, don't think it has to be Spanish though.

In just about every other country that I can think of students learn one or more often two other languages aside from their native tongue. Yes I think that schools should be teaching other languages but not that Spanish specifically should be required.

All children should be exposed to and encouraged to learn a foreign language. Even if they are an exceptional student. If you can speak one language, you can learn another. Really you can.
Currently only a handful of states and various school districts require a foreign language credit to graduate.
The US is the ONLY 1st world nation not to require a second language component to education.
Mandrin is the most spoke language in the world. However, English is spoken in MORE places (this explains why other nation teach their students English). The most difficult aspect of teaching children a foreign language is finding the teachers and deciding which language to focus on.

<snip>

Our world is becoming smaller in relation to economies and culture. We have to prepare our children for that reality, not the one that we grew up in. They need to know how to do jobs that we don't even know will exist in twenty years. Scary, huh?

Teachercat, you might get a kick out of this story:

A couple years ago I traveled to Turkey with one of my daughters. On the return trip, we were seated across from a 25-ish Middle Eastern woman who was traveling with her young son, who had just turned two. On the other side of the woman was a German couple.

During the flight, the little boy spoke German, at the level of a two-year-old, to the older couple to his right. The boy's father was German and he had just spent a month in Germany with his grandparents. When communicating with his mother, he 'spoke' (again, as a two year old) in Farsi, her native language. He spoke with my daughter and me, in English, as we taught him to play Yahtzee.

This little guy only listened to the words people were using with him, and he responded accordingly. The mother, of course, spoke all three languages fluently (at the adult level, grin), and she planned to keep him fluent in all three languages. It was fascinating to watch the little guy communicate appropriately in three different languages, at the level of a two year old.

Teachercat, you might get a kick out of this story:

A couple years ago I traveled to Turkey with one of my daughters. On the return trip, we were seated across from a 25-ish Middle Eastern woman who was traveling with her young son, who had just turned two. On the other side of the woman was a German couple.

During the flight, the little boy spoke German, at the level of a two-year-old, to the older couple to his right. The boy's father was German and he had just spent a month in Germany with his grandparents. When communicating with his mother, he 'spoke' (again, as a two year old) in Farsi, her native language. He spoke with my daughter and me, in English, as we taught him to play Yahtzee.

This little guy only listened to the words people were using with him, and he responded accordingly. The mother, of course, spoke all three languages fluently (at the adult level, grin), and she planned to keep him fluent in all three languages. It was fascinating to watch the little guy communicate appropriately in three different languages, at the level of a two year old.

My daughter is growing up bilingual (German and English) and is already using both languages. She has a few words in each at this point (she is 17 months old)

No, I don't. I'll encourage my kids to learn a different language but it will definetly not be required and shouldn't be in school either.

Two of my kids are in speech therapy. One is in 1st grade and the other is 2 years old. When my son was tested at 25 months he was placed at a 20 month level and a 17 month level (it differed for the category). When my DD was tested the 1st time in some areas she was just above severe. Had she placed any lower she would have been in the severe level for that category. The second time she tested she had gotten better in some areas but others she hadn't progressed much or at all. The 2nd test was 1 year after the 1st.

While schoolwork has gotten a bit easier over the close to 2 years she has been in school it is still diifficult at times and sometimes can take us from the time she gets home til she goes to bed. She does have some behavior/attention issues we are looking into with her dr. So that is also not helping with communicating well with her. Not just with her schoolwork but also everyday stuff. She still has difficulty explaining why she did something to me. If she was required to take a second language right now :nutts Seriously. I would go nuts. I just don't believe she is able to handle a second language at this time. Seeing how she has such problems with English already at times I just can't see her being able to pick up a second language. Plus, I would have to help her at home (she requires alot of one on one time so I have to do alot of schoolwork with her at home since the teacher doens't have time for it all). Frankly, the only other language I somewhat know is French and it has been a long time ago that I took those classes. I'm not even sure how well I still remember it. Probably not well. I'm not sure how I would be able to help her when I wouldn't know what I was doing either.

As for my 2 year old; I hope he improves enough that he won't need a speech therapist in school. But he won't be in school for a few more years so time will only tell. Maybe he'll do well enough with English that I'll feel he is ready in elementary school for another language.

And as for my youngest, well, he is just 10 months so we have a little over 1 year before we will even think about whether he needs a speech therapist or not. So he is just way to off for me to be able say if I believe it would be a good idea or not for him.

Basically, I think kids should be encouraged but not required. Some kids, like my DD, are trying hard enough with just one language. I just don't feel it is right to tell them they have to then go on and try to learn another when they are already having difficulty with the one they were raised from birth.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I agree. There are the French Canadian to our north as well, so I don't think Spanish should be the only option. Or what about people that want to learn a language that is spoken in their family? I know one girl who wants to learn Korean because her mother and that whole side of the family is from Korea (South I think).

No. Like the other ladies have said though I think they should learn another language other than English. I don't think it is right to force a student to learn Spanish. We do live in America where the primary language is ENGLISH...JMO....my ancestors came over and they had to learn English. I do believe though that it is a good experience to learn another language...I learned German...because being Swiss...that is part of MY heritage...

i wish that spanish had be offered to me at a younger age. unfortunately where i live in socal it is a requirement for a lot of office positions to be bilingual and i am not :(

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

:yes learning another language can only HELP our children in the long run. being bi or trilingual is a very desirable trait future employers look at.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I absolutely agree with this! :tu

I think children should learn both of our neighboring countries' languages (French and Spanish) as well as one other from a much younger age than middle school. It only makes sense, and can only benefit our children in my opinion.

required? maybe...but not be/c people from other countries refuse to assimluate. I think it should be included in our cirrcumlum starting with preschool be/c it teaches memory retention and other cultures. Waiting til high school or even junior high is much too late to think that most people can learn it.I took 4 years of spanish throughout high school and college and i can't tell you a thing other than the basics. I know french better be/c it is my hertiage but not fluent or enough for a bilingual job.

no I think they should be required to learn whatever language they want to..but I know in my HS it was required to take at least 1 year of another language in order to graduate. :shrug but I do not think that they should be MADE to learn one language over another.

No! Seriously, I hated trying to learn Spanish. I just finished my last semester of it in December and I'm in college... I still can't say a word, lol... plus I got an A in the class. I only had to take it because I'm a history major (even though I'm American history, I could have taken other languages though) Sad, yes I know. But I just don't see why I need to learn how to speak it so that I can accommodate to people who come to the US and can't speak English!!! I don't go to Mexico, Germany, France and Italy and expect them to speak to me in English... If someone wants to learn thats great, but I don't get the idea of forcing it.

I don't think it should be a requirement for children to learn, I think there should be an option for those parents who wants their child to be bilingual. I have to also say that it should be done in elementary school where they will pick up the language much faster and easier.

I would love for my kids to learn french and spanish.

Required No, but available Yes. Here at some schools they offer one class in each grade to be taught half in Spanish and the other half in English.

I'm Hispanic but didn't learn Spanish, although most of my family speaks it. I wish it would have been available in schools at a younger age. I took it in HS but didn't learn anything, well I memorized some songs, thats about it.

Encouraged, yes. Required, No.

I agree 100%

i dont think it should be required. I agree with the HS that provide languages but they child and parent should be able to choose what language they want to take.

i dont think it should be required. I agree with the HS that provide languages but they child and parent should be able to choose what language they want to take.


ITA. If I learned that my child's school was requiring them to learn Spanish, but not offering any other choices, I would find a school that allowed us to make that choice.

No! Seriously, I hated trying to learn Spanish. I just finished my last semester of it in December and I'm in college... I still can't say a word, lol... plus I got an A in the class. I only had to take it because I'm a history major (even though I'm American history, I could have taken other languages though) Sad, yes I know. But I just don't see why I need to learn how to speak it so that I can accommodate to people who come to the US and can't speak English!!! I don't go to Mexico, Germany, France and Italy and expect them to speak to me in English... If someone wants to learn thats great, but I don't get the idea of forcing it.

Sorry you hated Spanish. But you know what that told poential employers? It told them that you weren't ready and/or willing to be "workplace ready." The reason your state made Spanish a requirement is because employers in your state told the board of education that a readiness/willingness to speak Spanish in the workplace was desireable in an employee. It's part of somethng called "Workplace Readiness Skills," and if you didn't have them, the plain, bald, fact is that you weren't "workplace ready" according to employers in your state. Emplolyers know that not everyone is college-bound, and not everyone is college material. The ones who are destined to hit the workplace out of high school are expected to have a certain number of skills. In your state, employers have determined that one of those skills is an ability to communicate in Spanish.

That's what employers are asking for, and that's what the schools are being told to give them. Sorry you didn't do well. But you know what that equates to? Somebody else got the job.

But you know what that equates to? Somebody else got the job.

..not necessarily. did she say somewhere she applied for a job where being bi/multilingual was required? i'm not sure why anyone would do that if they didn't have the desire to speak another language.

although, English is NOT the US' official language (and the US doesn't have one) so I'm not sure why people get all up in arms about "I DON'T WANT TO PRESS 1 FOR ENGLISH OMG". lol we don't have an official language guys!

i don't think it should be forced. last time i checked though, 2 years of foreign language credits were required to graduate from HS (at least in texas). and at least 1 year/sufficient credit hours (3 or 6 i think) to obtain an Undergraduate degree.

I think children should pick the one they want. I didnt take spanish. I took one semester in college as an elective and I did not like it at all.

My husband lived in germany as a child (mom was AD army) and went to a german school. He also took it in HS. So he speaks it, and now our dogs speak it. But he also knows spanish (took it in college).

I believe languages that a child learns should be up to the child. Not the school.

Sorry you hated Spanish. But you know what that told poential employers? It told them that you weren't ready and/or willing to be "workplace ready." The reason your state made Spanish a requirement is because employers in your state told the board of education that a readiness/willingness to speak Spanish in the workplace was desireable in an employee. It's part of somethng called "Workplace Readiness Skills," and if you didn't have them, the plain, bald, fact is that you weren't "workplace ready" according to employers in your state. Emplolyers know that not everyone is college-bound, and not everyone is college material. The ones who are destined to hit the workplace out of high school are expected to have a certain number of skills. In your state, employers have determined that one of those skills is an ability to communicate in Spanish.

That's what employers are asking for, and that's what the schools are being told to give them. Sorry you didn't do well. But you know what that equates to? Somebody else got the job.

But I am college educated thank you very much and graduate in May! The classes were college courses required for my HISTORY major (10 credit hours worth), most other majors don't require a foreign language at my university (including business) And I did get an A so did fine in the class, I just can't speak a lick of Spanish, oh but I can write it on paper, lol. I can't think of many jobs in my actual area where people are forced to be bilingual, I don't live in a highly hispanic area. Plus I am not staying in Florida and the use for Spanish in Germany is really kind of amusing to me all a sudden. :) No I am not bilingual, but it takes much more than 2 semesters of college Spanish (which is equal to 2 years of high school Spanish if you take Spanish I and II at my college) to be fluent enough to put it on a job resume. All I was saying is that I don't see the point in forcing a foreign language on some one... and no one got my job because I'm still employed, lol.

Oh... and two years of foreign language in high school is required in our state... I took Spanish only because that's what I took in high school so I knew it'd be easier. I could have taken any language and had it meet the requirement, and last time I checked they don't speak Latin in Florida.

Even though the united states doesn't have it in the Constitution as the official language, states have in their constitution:

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_in_the_United_States

The United States does not have an official language; nevertheless, English (specifically, American English) is the language used for legislation, regulations, executive orders, treaties, federal court rulings, and all other official pronouncements. Additionally, one must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak English to become a naturalized citizen. Many individual states and territories have also adopted English as their official language:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois,[1] Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming


Just because it is not in the Constitution doesn't mean it isn't the "official" language. If we are going to force Spanish, we should force German in the northern states because many still speak that. French in Maine and Louisiana, Chinese in California, and on and on.

I think it should be a choice, however, we need to start encouraging more people to become bilingual.

People who are bilingual tend to be better at problem solving and do better in school, also they have more career options and small businesses and the government recruit for them for political and cultural insight.

It would be nice if everyone just spoke one language, like the proto-language of our earliest ancestors. But that's just not the case. We are a country of immigrants, and we don't have an official language. It's not that immigrants don't want to learn English, it's just your capacity for learning a second language easily comes at a crucial point in your childhood. We are a de-facto multilingual country, there are more than 2 language spoken, but they are not our official languages "Spanish and English". There are many French, Polish, Vietnamese, Tobalog & Russian speakers. Just because they moved here, they should be "expected" to speak perfect English. Also, they participate in Diglossia when in lax situations, meaning that they may speak their native tongue around family, but they speak English in professional situations.

Maybe it's because we're an isolated country and we're not surrounded by countries with different languages as in Europe. Take Luxembourg for example, the children there are required to learn German, French and I beleive Danish?

Sure why not?

Learning another language is so useful. Personally I enjoy languages and can pick them up easily. My 12 year old and myself are doing Spanish right now. For me it's a refresher course as I took it in high school/college, but it's been so long since I used it. I'd like to learn French as well.

Most colleges require at least two years of a foreign language or proof that you have fluency in one.

Most colleges require at least two years of a foreign language or proof that you have fluency in one.

Not necessarily. What you're talking about is a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bachelor's of Science degrees generally don't have a language requirement.

Of course, some colleges/universities may have different requirement for awarding a degree, but for the most part, that's the difference between the two degrees.

Not necessarily. What you're talking about is a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bachelor's of Science degrees generally don't have a language requirement.

Of course, some colleges/universities may have different requirement for awarding a degree, but for the most part, that's the difference between the two degrees.


I agree with your statement, but I have a Bachelor of Science from U of Wisconsin and it was a requirement for all degree programs there. I have an Associates from Indiana University and it is the same, they want a foreign language for all degree programs there too. I believe it is more common to have to have a foreign languaga across the board, but I could be wrong and I'll have to research it.

Nope. We speak English. If my child CHOOSES to learn another language thats fine. But it should not be forced on her.

I agree with your statement, but I have a Bachelor of Science from U of Wisconsin and it was a requirement for all degree programs there. I have an Associates from Indiana University and it is the same, they want a foreign language for all degree programs there too. I believe it is more common to have to have a foreign languaga across the board, but I could be wrong and I'll have to research it.

I know for a fact its not a requirement across the board at public universities in Florida.

I think children should be required to learn at least 1 language other than English. I don't think it necessarily has to be Spanish, families should be able to determine that. Although I really do think its the smart thing to do (to learn Spanish) if you live in a city near the Mexican border or in a city that is extremely diverse (such as NYC).

I agree too. I know that in AZ I was required to take a year of a foreign language to graduate high school, and I thought it wasn't nearly enough time to actually learn anything. We are one of the only developed nations that doesn't do this, and we can all see the trend emerging in the world with the value of the dollar slipping so drastically. If we truly are a capitalist nation like we claim to be, foreign language study to make ourselves competitive in the world market makes sense.

I wish someone would have forced me to learn Spanish when I was in elementary school. It would have been much easier to learn then. I frankly find it embarrassing that I don't speak another language in contrast to other industrialized countries' citizens. I think its embarrassing that we are so stubborn we refuse to teach our children foreign languages and then INSIST that foreigners speak English at all times... but then revel in our own ignorance and arrogance when confronted with the idea of having to learn something different.

Foreign language credits in college would not be an issue if they started kids on foreign languages when they were younger. I honestly plan on traveling someday and I hope people don't act like a-holes because I don't speak the local language. I mean, hey its not my fault I was raised in a substandard educational system because Americans don't value education.

it's a good idea but not just spanish any language they choose.. but it shouldn't be forced IMO..just another learning experience i think..

This is kind of a spin off on the immigration post. But my question is

Do you think that children in America's school systems should be required to learn Spanish?

Yes or No and why or why not?

Not necessarily Spanish, but any language. I know for many colleges, taking a foreign language course is a requirement for graduation!!! For me to have graduated high school in San Diego, a foreign language was a requirement as well!!! I chose Spanish, and it's a GREAT benefit when living in San Diego or conversing in other areas where there are Spanish speakers. :)

We are one of the only countries who DOESNT have their children learning multiple languages.
I personally think that we SHOULD require our children learn multiple languages. Not just English and Spanish, but also a few other key languages. I think all Americans should know the top 3-5 languages of the world.

it is just plain SMART. Why people get so bent out of shape on how 'we should ONLY know english because we are AMERICANS!' is silly. We arent just Americans. We are members of a diverse planet. Members of a country that deals with other countries. With people who speak other languages.

Children learn language at a young age best. They should learn then. Not allowing them to learn language when they are primed to get the most out of it could hinder them in the future when they realize they want to work with international affairs-- or just travel a lot-- and have a hard time learning the language.

We arent alone in America. The world is going through globalization. We cant just keep ourselves to ourselves forever.... or eventually other countries will comply and leave us out. we happen to rely on plenty of countries for all sorts of goods. we will have a terrible time trying to stay afloat once the world turns on us for turning on them.

I know for a fact its not a requirement across the board at public universities in Florida.


I understand that, I said it was more common, not a strict requirement in every university.