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Committee discusses new two-course foreign-language requirement; ASL suggested
Summary
Members noted the district will require two foreign-language courses beginning with the freshman class of 2028'029. The superintendent and members discussed surveying younger students about language interest and adding options including ASL or a small high-school-credit Spanish course.
Committee members raised the district's upcoming foreign-language graduation requirement and discussed implementation options. The superintendent said the two-course requirement starts with the freshman class of 2028'029 and is several years away, but planning should begin now to ensure course availability.
"One of the things I would like to see is an ASL here," the superintendent said when asked about language options; members also proposed surveying students in grades 3— to 8 for preferred languages so the district could plan staffing. The group discussed offering a 0.125 Spanish class taught by a high-school teacher that would provide a high-school credit and ways to ensure sufficient student demand and staffing before committing to course offerings.
Speakers noted the timeline gives the district time to consider staffing and delivery models including in-person, dual-credit, or self-paced online options, but several members warned that some online models can be difficult for students and staff to manage. The superintendent said he will continue exploring options and seek input from feeder-grade students and staff.
