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Westlake City Schools to shift elementary world-language to grade 5 while expanding hands-on technology
Summary
Administrators plan to start formal world-language instruction in grade 5 and repurpose elementary staffing to expand hands‑on technology (LEGO Education, coding, Google Drive/typing, and elementary computer‑science strands) after a retirement in the elementary French program.
Amanda Musman, associate superintendent for elementary grades, told the board the district plans to concentrate formal world‑language instruction starting in grade 5 and expand hands‑on technology instruction across K–5 to improve students' typing, digital‑organization and introductory coding skills.
Musman said the decision followed a retirement in the elementary French program and years of internal discussion. "World language is wonderful — we love immersing kids in other cultures — but we do see a shift as starting it in grade five," she said, adding the change would preserve middle‑ and high‑school language pathways. "We want kids to see that it's time to go build Legos, but then also be able to use the computer program to program it."
The district will broaden use of LEGO Education kits already in some grades (Coding Express for K–1, Spike Essential for grades 2–4) and integrate coding, reflection and typing practice into regular special‑subject time. Musman said students currently receive technology one day a week for one semester and staff want "more hands‑on innovation" so students develop Google Drive, typing and collaborative skills earlier.
District staff framed the move as linked to broader strategic‑plan goals emphasizing STEM and career readiness. Musman cited feedback from local colleges and employers that some postsecondary programs and employers are seeking specialized coursework (for example, accounting or coding) in applicants, influencing local curricular priorities.
The district said it will not eliminate opportunities for students who want world languages; middle‑school and high‑school level language courses, including Level‑1 courses, remain available. Parents, teachers and staff will be part of implementation discussions and the shift will be phased in as vacancies and retirements permit.
Musman invited questions from board members and said the district will monitor retention and student readiness as the change is phased in.
