Academics & Accountability

Foreign Language Program

The following are some questions we are frequently asked about the foreign language program in Forsyth County Schools. Perhaps more than any other curricula area, the rules that guided us in the beginning have had to change over the years. There are reasons for this, yet we know it makes communicating changes more critical and it necessitates that we communicate clearly. It is our hope that this answers some of your questions. We will continue to update information as needed, and certainly we are happy to respond to questions you send to us that may not be addressed adequately here.

Why study foreign language?
There are overwhelming benefits for students who study any foreign language, and that study should begin as early as possible. Studies suggest that the optimum time for beginning to learn another language is between birth and puberty for reasons encompassing biological and neurological development as well as young children’s natural curiosity for sounds and rhythms, ability to mimic sounds, and uninhibited eagerness to experiment with language. Research also shows that students who study a foreign language for four or more years, regardless of which language is studied, score significantly higher on the SAT and ACT, socioeconomic status notwithstanding; develop greater cultural sensitivity toward others; have larger vocabularies; perform better on tests of reading and math; have higher developed listening and retention skills; are more creative; and display more highly developed critical thinking skills. We also know that the longer students are able to study a particular language, the more likely they are to communicate in that language, and this helps to ensure that students will be able to access a second or third language more easily.

Communication:
Though we work hard to communicate clearly, I will tell you we are not always successful. For example, it came to our attention that our website was misleading, and when we checked it, we found that indeed, it was giving information that was accurate last year, but is not accurate this year. Of course it was changed immediately. Each middle school was asked to do the same. In addition to posting this, we will make every effort to communicate changes in the way we serve children in as timely a fashion as is possible.

The Good News:
There is and will always be a myriad of opinions on what schools should provide students. In the case of foreign language, the topic of “which languages” should be taught is an ongoing debate, and I am respectful of all opinions. After all, each of us has had experiences that influence the attitudes and opinions we form. However, I think it’s critical to let you know the results we are gleaning from our foreign language program.

As the program was planned, there was a recognition that we had the responsibility of preparing students to enter a global society; there was an understanding that it was important to have a solid foreign language program that would afford students the academic benefits mentioned earlier; and there was a deeply held belief that a foreign language program should afford students the opportunity to become proficient in communicating in one or more languages upon graduation from Forsyth County Schools.

All academic trends in Forsyth County are showing improvements over time. Many factors influence these trends, but certainly we would be remiss not to acknowledge the research on acquisition of new languages and its impact on learning. Students from our system who participate in competitions are performing extremely well. But perhaps most important, students in Forsyth County have the opportunity earn 28 units of credit in high school so that they may pursue electives that serve their career aspirations and interests well in the area of foreign language study. Not only are our students learning about their place in a global society, but they will have the distinct advantage of knowing at least one foreign language in depth, with the opportunity to learn more. We most certainly are unique in this regard.

In closing, we would be remiss not to mention the commitment of the Superintendent and the Board of Education in providing this wonderful opportunity for our students. As mentioned earlier, the study of foreign language in elementary schools is unique, not because people do not know how positive the research is on the topic, but because it is not funded by the state of Georgia. Therefore, our elementary foreign language program has been locally funded from the start, and during difficult budget times, such as the one we currently find ourselves in our Board has indeed used the results of the program to help guide their thinking about staying the course. They have remained true to their vision: Quality learning and superior performance for all. The decisions they make continue to be in the best interest of all students. We know that you, too, appreciate this commitment to excellence. The children in Forsyth County are being well served as a result of it.

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Foreign Language Curriculum

Elementary School

• Foreign Language K-5 Curriculum