Fairfax schools debate language instruction and its costs - washingtonpost.com: The Fairfax County School Board took a sharp detour from America's aversion to learning foreign languages when it adopted an ambitious goal in 2006 that language instruction should start early and graduates should be able to speak two languages.
In an increasingly interconnected world, school leaders reasoned, English is insufficient to succeed at international business or diplomacy. Fairfax County, a cosmopolitan suburb near a seat of world power, where 40 percent of students hear or speak another language at home, seemed a natural place to make foreign language instruction a top priority.
Lean budget years have tested that resolve. In tough times, parents and board members are debating whether foreign language instruction, particularly in early years, is fundamental or a frill.
"It's a lovely thing to have. I would support it greatly if we had the money," said Fairfax parent Emily Slough, referring to an elementary language program that could be cut next year. "But we are down to bare bones."
Some parents support the school system's language goals but criticize the elementary programs. Others are skeptical of the foreign language emphasis, noting that English is spoken worldwide.
