How to “Sell” Your School District on

Foreign Language Programs

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The benefits of learning a foreign language should speak for themselves.

The benefits of learning a foreign language should speak for themselves.

Pun totally intended.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves defending language

programs in our schools.

If language programs are on the chopping block in your school system, it’s time to sell your district on languages.

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Languages are not a “luxury subject”.

Here are a few reasons why...

Language skills boost students’ career prospects.

In 2013, CNN deemed bilingualism the

“hottest job skill.”

Source: CNN Money

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Source: CNN Money

The Department of Labor estimates a 42% increase in jobs for translators and interpreters

between 2010 and 2020.

Source: CNN Money

The Department of Labor estimates a 42% increase in jobs for translators and interpreters

between 2010 and 2020.

And this doesn’t include jobs in other sectors, like international businesses and

federal government opportunities.

Language skills can lead to new job opportunities and to increased compensation.

According to salary.com, employers may pay between 5-20% more than the base rate to

hires with language skills.

Source: AOL

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Learning a foreign language makes students more marketable,

opens the door for higher pay, and prepares them to join the

global workforce.

Language skills also boost the nation’s economic prospects.

About that global workforce...

In order to compete globally, the U.S. needs a globally prepared

workforce.

In order to compete globally, the U.S. needs a globally prepared

workforce.

Hint: This includes linguistic competency!

Consider, for example, STEM fields: science, technology,

engineering, and math.

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“Multilingual communication is intrinsic to today’s scientific collaboration and progress.”

- Dr. Bill Rivers, Executive Director, JNCL-NCLI

Source: Transparent Language

To continue making advances in science and technology, American

researchers must not be limited to using only data in English or

working only with their English-speaking peers.

Source: Transparent Language

To continue making advances in science and technology, American

researchers must not be limited to using only data in English or

working only with their English-speaking peers.

Source: Transparent Language

We want to work with the most advanced research and the most talented individuals, regardless of

language.

America’s $15-billion, high-tech STEM industry depends on

languages to reach foreign markets worth $1.5 trillion.

Source: Transparent Language

To further our economic interests abroad, the U.S. needs doctors, scientists, developers,

writers, business executives, and beyond who can speak strategic

languages.

Language skills are critical to national security and political

interests.

Speaking of strategic languages...

The U.S. also needs diplomats, military officials, foreign policy

experts, and beyond who can communicate with their

counterparts around the world.

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Source: Washington Post

More than one quarter of the State Department’s “language-designated positions” could not be filled with fully qualified personnel in 2012.

Source: Washington Post

More than one quarter of the State Department’s “language-designated positions” could not be filled with fully qualified personnel in 2012.

They are particularly lacking in Near East, South Asian, and East Asian language skills.

Source: Washington Post

Similarly, only 28% of language designated positions in the

Department of Defense were filled with personnel who met the

proficiency level requirements.

Source: Washington Post

“There is a limited availability of qualified speakers of vital foreign languages who are U.S. citizens and have the English skills to support

our requirements.” - Tracey North, FBI Deputy Assistant Director

America’s language deficit limits the nation’s ability to coordinate

with countries on trade, development, disaster relief, global security, and beyond.

Learning a language prepares students to be global citizens.

It’s not just about national preparedness, though. It’s about

each individual student.

Teachers teach far more than math, history, or languages. In school,

students learn about values: being respectful, working hard, asking

for help, sharing with others, etc.

While language study is an important part of any curriculum, it’s also a means of learning the

skills necessary to succeed in the increasingly globalized world.

Language study exposes students to another culture, sparking curiosity, empathy, and

understanding.

Language study exposes students to another culture, sparking curiosity, empathy, and

understanding.

These qualities prepare students to interact with people of all ethnicities

and backgrounds.

This cultural sensitivity will benefit students no matter which

field they choose to enter later in life, from health care to human

resources to foreign policy making.

Learning a language improves students’ skills in other

subjects.

Learning a language does more than shape culturally competent

students. The benefits spill over into more tangible skillsets and

subject areas.

Research shows that bilingualism improves the brain’s “executive function”—the system we use for

problem solving, planning, focusing, multi-tasking, etc.

Source: New York Times

Studies also indicate a relationship between language study and basic

skills development, including listening and reading.

Source: NCSSFL

It makes sense, then, that there is a correlation

between years of language study and SAT scores.

Source: NCSSFL

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Source: NCSSFL

And not just on the verbal section! On average, students with four years of foreign language study outscored other students by more than 100 points on the verbal and math sections.

Image by rvoegtli on Flickr.com

It makes sense, then, that there is a correlation

between years of language study and SAT scores.

“Being bilingual, it turns out, makes you smarter. It can have a profound

effect on your brain, improving cognitive skills not related to

language and even shielding against dementia in old age.”

- Yudhijit Bhattacharjee

Source: New York Times

With that many benefits, in the classroom and beyond, why are

foreign language programs failing to make the cut?

School budgets are tight, but education is an investment in our

children’s future.

School budgets are tight, but education is an investment in our

children’s future.

And our nation’s future.

Instead of cutting programs, schools must consider alternative solutions, particularly the use of technology.

For example, East Kingston Elementary School can offer students 5 languages

without the costs of hiring 5 full-time instructors.

Case Study: East Kingston Elementary School

How? Using a combination of Transparent Language’s self-guided

online courses and live virtual instruction services.

Case Study: East Kingston Elementary School

There is no replacement for a live instructor, but our online technology

and virtual instructors bring dozens of languages to thousands of K-12 and

higher education institutions across the country.

So, how can you “sell” your school district on foreign language

programs?

If the many benefits listed here don’t sell themselves, petition your

school district, write to your local representatives, and take a stand.

But when all else fails, offer them an alternative solution they can’t

refuse.

Want to learn more about Transparent Language’s solutions

for language education?

www.transparent.com/education