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Board refers world‑language alignment issue to curriculum committee after survey review
Summary
After administrators presented a multi‑year survey showing student and parent interest in Spanish, ASL and French, board members asked for data on course seats and staffing; the board sent the issue to the curriculum committee for formal recommendations on offerings and possible staffing changes.
Groton administrators presented results of a district language survey and current course offerings at the July 13 meeting, prompting a board discussion about demand for American Sign Language (ASL) and staffing constraints.
Presenters said the top three parent and student choices were Spanish, ASL and French and noted current offerings (Spanish, French, ASL). Board member Adrian Johnson pointed to survey results showing strong interest in ASL and argued the district should examine whether course seats and staffing align with student demand. "Over half of the students would like to take ASL... and how many are actually in ASL is 3.7%," he said, urging the district to consider options for expanding ASL seats or rebalancing staffing if retirements occur.
Administrators and board members discussed staffing realities—one ASL full‑time equivalent at the high school—and the difficulty of recruiting teachers in some languages. The chair and others directed the referral to the curriculum committee for a committee‑level recommendation and possible phased options.
What’s next: Curriculum committee will review updated survey data, course enrollment patterns and staffing options and bring back recommendations for board consideration.
