Currently, the proposed plans are to begin teaching students either Spanish or French in kindergarten and alternate the languages and culture lessons each year through grade five. Students in grade six would study German. In each academic year, students would receive a total of 36 lessons.

The goal of the program is not to expect foreign language fluency, but to expose students at a much earlier age, which Heller said has been proven to have a multitude of benefits, including an easier transition into higher levels of learning.

“This is ‘fun-based’ education that engages and motivates students, thereby improving their attendance,” Heller said. “And when kids are engaged and enjoy learning, it leads toward better graduation rates and future student success.”

The community also reaps rewards, Heller said, because it provides employers with a work force that is more skilled because many of the students will go on to complete higher levels of language education.

As many of the area companies move towards a global economy, businesses will not have to look as far for qualified candidates who have advanced communication skills. And Heller said the program itself may help enhance the community economically by encouraging more families to move into the district because it promotes cultural diversity and understanding.

Heller said he is really looking forward to the World Languages program, and following the formal approval by the board, the committee will start working on the curriculum. They will also continue searching for grants which could help reduce the start-up costs.

Penni Schaefer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at pschaefer@meadvilletribune.com.

What to watch for next

Crawford Central School Board of Directors will meet tonight at 7 p.m. at the Instructional Support Center, 11280 Mercer Pike, to discuss and vote on the World Languages Committee’s program to implement foreign languages and cultures into elementary school curriculum beginning in the 2009-10 school year.