2nd Language Education

Dear Gabacho:
Now the US has elected a new president, do expect to see any change in the way we educate our children, English speaking and otherwise, especially in regards to No Child Left Behind and specifically foreign language education?

Bilingual in Baltimore

Dear BiB:
President elect Obama has given us reason to be optimistic. During a town hall meeting Obama states, "I agree that immigrants should learn English. But instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English - they'll learn English - you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. You should be thinking about how can your child become bilingual? We should have every child speaking more than one language." (Town Hall Meeting, Powder Springs, GA, July 8, 2008).

In regards to NCLB, Obama has been openly critical saying that "it is so narrowly focused on standardized tests that it has pushed out a lot of important learning that needs to take place. And foreign languages is one of those areas that I think has been neglected." (Democratic candidates' debate, February 21, 2008, Austin, TX).

Whether or not this rhetoric translates to improved and innovative education in the classroom is yet to be seen. You can see an outline of the President elect's education agenda at http://change.gov/agenda/education_agenda/ .