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.
most kids can't read or write when coming out of public schools. Now they want to focus on Spanish! Run as fast as you can from public education.
state of michigan is already starting to put their handouts in english with spanish and arabic translations.
Absolutely agree. Mandatory, intensive English for all children. All legal documents in English, and no backsliding on assimilation.
Then talk about mandatory foreign language clases (which I would favor), but not before.
tell ya what...
we'll teach Spanish if the schools will teach English! LOL
isn't Home Schooling great!
It's not the 'idea', kid, it's what underlies and drives the 'idea'.
Would the last American to leave Florida kindly turn off the light and bring the flag?
Nothing new. My elemetary school (in So. Cal) required us to take Spanish from K-8, and that was back in the 70s. Not one Latino kid in the entire school, either. I remember my 6th grade Spanish teacher admonishing us after catching us goofing off "you'll all be speaking Spanish one day, so you better pay attention."
Why is it that we are expected to adapt to people coming to this country? They are coming to our country. It should be up to them to adapt!
elemetary - elementary ;)
It was when I first began learning it in South America 40 years ago. Haven't you heard the term "Sleeping Dictionary"?
Absolutely! ENGLISH spoken here. Knowing Spanish as a Second language is a good idea and often helpful, but ENGLISH first.
I'd like to see english AND spanish mandatory. A second language can broaden your world like nothing else.
"Pretty soon it may be Arabic."
No, we only need to speak Spanish and French to communicate in the North American Region.
When they are teaching Spanish, what curriculum(s) be reduced? Probably a reduction in non-essentials like math and science. (yes it's sarcasm)
Studies show that up to about 7 years old is the best time to pick up a language. It gets harder and harder after about 17.
Most high school Spanish is a waste of time; an LM program makes good sense.
That may be a good idea, however, I don't really see the public school system using this to benefit the country in a positive way. Maybe it's just me.
So far, so far.....
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