Considering the Possible Elimination of Foreign Language as a Requirement for a Georgia High School College-Prep Diploma

Authors

Kay Agnew

Abstract

The front page headline informed readers of the Atlanta Journal- Constitution (AJC) that an education initiative of serious importance was under consideration: “Adios, francais? Maybe in Georgia school board may end language requirement” (Salzer, Sept. 2002). This proposal before the state Board of Education became the source of tremendous controversy. It was reported that the Board was interested in exchanging the required two years of language for four years in both science and math. Salzer (Sept. 2002) wrote that Cathy Henson, chairwoman of the state Board of Education, was in favor of the change as many students have trouble earning a college-prep diploma due to the language requirement. Finally, it was suggested that the languages be moved to the elementary schools, as they may be the best training grounds for language, as “experts” have concluded that children are more adept at acquiring languages.

Author's Biographies

Kay Agnew has taught for 22 years, principally at Pacelli High School in Columbus, Georgia, where she has been honored as STAR teacher three times. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer named her as Page One Teacher of the Year in 1990. She holds an A.B. degree from Wesleyan College, an M.Ed. from UGA, and is currently pursuing the Ed.S. from Columbus State University, all in secondary English education.

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Recommended Citation

Agnew, K. (2003). Considering the Possible Elimination of Foreign Language as a Requirement for a Georgia High School College-Prep Diploma. Perspectives In Learning, 4 (1). Retrieved from https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/pil/vol4/iss1/12