Should Schools Stop Requiring Foreign Language Classes?

Hoping to free up more options for students when it comes to high school electives, the Michigan House Education Committee approved two bills in Lansing on Tuesday that would eliminate the foreign language requirement for graduation.

Dearborn Public Schools currently follow the Michigan Merit Curriculum guidelines that require students to take two years of a foreign language. The district offers classes in French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language.

According to Dr. Gail Shenkman, associate superintendent for secondary education at DPS, students can complete the foreign language requirement by enrolling in two years of classroom instruction at the high school level; testing out of a foreign language; or participating in a formal study abroad program, college coursework, home or heritage languages, online courses, or other life experiences.

By eliminating the two-year foreign language requirement, the proposal hopes to give students not headed to college more vocational options in school, but the Michigan Department of Education opposes the bill, according to the Detroit News.

"Students, regardless of post-secondary plans, will benefit tremendously with at least one additional language to be competitive in the global marketplace," spokesman Martin Ackley said in the report. "World languages is essential for all of our students."

House Bills 4465-4466 would also modify required credits in physical education, the arts, career and technical education, science and math, according to the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.

The bill awaits a full house vote.

"We recognize the benefits of students learning another language, but also recognize that some students would benefit if they were able to choose a music, art or CTE class instead. We like parents and students having choices," Shenkman said.