The North Allegheny School District is facing increasing calls from parents and community members to expand its language curriculum to include Asian languages, particularly Mandarin and Hindi. During a recent work session on May 15, 2024, several speakers highlighted the absence of these languages in a district known for its academic excellence.

Sherry Hsu, a parent of two students, expressed her surprise that the district does not offer any Asian languages, despite the growing importance of these languages in the global economy. She pointed out that many neighboring districts have successfully implemented programs in Mandarin and Japanese, which have become popular among students. Hsu emphasized that introducing Asian languages would not only benefit the small percentage of Asian students but also provide all students with valuable cultural insights and skills necessary for success in a diverse world.

Another parent, Lucy Zhang, echoed these sentiments, sharing her disappointment that her son, who previously studied Chinese, had to switch to Spanish upon moving to the district. Zhang argued that the current language offerings do not reflect the changing global landscape and urged the school board to consider the long-term benefits of teaching Asian languages.

Lan Dang, also a parent, acknowledged the challenges faced by the district in expanding its language offerings but urged the board to prioritize this initiative. He noted that while the current curriculum focuses on languages closely related to English, it is essential to adapt to the needs of a globalized society.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for a more inclusive language program that prepares students for future opportunities. As the North Allegheny School District considers these requests, the community is hopeful that steps will be taken to enrich the educational experience for all students by incorporating Asian languages into the curriculum.