Posted on 11/10/2005 9:51:24 AM PST by Millee
A proposal in Tallahassee is causing a stir in schools in Southwest Florida. The state's top democrat is supporting a plan to make Spanish classes mandatory for all students in kindergarten through second grade, just like English or Math.
The youngest students in Southwest Florida's public school system could soon be saying hola to a new language. A proposed law would make Spanish mandatory for students in kindergarten through second grade.
"I frankly believe, the earlier you teach someone, the better it is," said George Muentes, an English as a second language teacher.
The law would make Spanish a core class like math and science. It would also force school officials to shuffle an already crowded schedule."
The length of the school day won't change, but the Spanish would have to be squeezed in somewhere, which means a few popular classes may have to be cut to make room.
"The options would be the specials, the arts, music and PE. But here in Charlotte County those are very important to us," said Mike Riley of the Charlotte County school district.
If the bill passes, it won't take effect till 2007. But the thought of mandatory Spanish classes is already a controversial subject with some parents.
"I've heard it the other way that English was the language here and that's the way it's going to be. On the other hand, there is a lot of Spanish people here. No, it doesn't surprise me. I just don't like it," said parent Ed Barrick.
Senate Bill 522 is making its way through the legislature. But one top decision maker says creating the new law is unnecessary.
"It's a good idea to offer Spanish. I don't know that we need to mandate it, frankly," said Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist.
The idea may be controversial, but it may not be too long before bi-lingual books become standard for local students.
The enemy within BUMP!
I agree whol heartedly!
Couldn't they just teach the Mexican kids English?
I thought English was a mandatory subject in all grades, at least it used to be.
Pretty soon it may be Arabic. Gotta prepare the Dhimmis while they're young.
RACIST!! /heavy sarc (but you get my point)
Just another State attempting to aid illegals.
1. Start with English make it mandatory for everyone in the whole country.
2. Spanish or any other language besides English should be voluntary.
That being said it is cool to learn a second language. I took Latin, Italian and French and had a ball learning them. Speaking a second language also gives one an advantage as well. If i had to do it all again though i would take Cantonese and Mandarin for a few reasons the least of which is so i can understand my wife if she makes fun of me in her native tongue ;)
Que?
"George Muentes"
Wanna bet an illegal sympathizer and maybe an illegal himself?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this idea IF English is mandatory.
Actually the CIA and FBI are always looking for Arabic speakers. Great idea - at least we could have Americans as translators.
At least it's not sex ed.
Oh, well. Guess we should have learned Spanish, being Americans and all. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
Bienvenidos a Amexica. Oprima el numero dos para Ingles.
A - Making learning a 2nd language mandatory
and
B - Making English the national language
I don't see why the two are mutually exclusive goals. Americans could profoundly benefit from being bilingual, both in the simple utility of knowing multiple languages, and in having their horizons broadened by doing so. I also think that anyone that comes to this country should adopt English as their primary language, and expect to use it for all official or business related affairs.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with this idea IF English is mandatory."
Madating a foriegn language in the curriculum would be fine. Mandating a specific one is wrong, IMO.
Yep, that's how brainwashing works; start on them at a young age and the message takes a deep root.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.