In a recent commentary published
online in Education Week (Give Latin [and Potential Dropouts]
a Chance, September 22, 2008), Baynard Woods, a public school
teacher from Washington DC, explained how his experience convinced
him that the teaching of “Latin might play a role in
eliminating the achievement gap between disadvantaged and
affluent students.”
Woods’ theory is that the prestige and
aura of Latin instilled a sense of self-worth in his underprivileged
students that they had previously lacked and inspired increased
achievement across the curriculum. He also believes that the
rigid logic of its grammatical system presented them with
easily comprehensible challenges to which required them to
think, or as Woods explains “Students were able to see
language as a game with rules that could help them think.”
There is a wealth of research supporting the
argument that language learning improves academic performance
in general, but little research has been undertaken into its
effect on self-perception. Although there is a lack of empirical
evidence, there can be little doubt that the acquisition of
a second language confers upon learners a sense of discovery
and empowerment that must boost self esteem.
Despite the evidence in support of second language
learning, it is still considered a luxury available only to
the middle classes, and not worthy of core subject status.
Even English language learners are often actively discouraged
from improving their command of their mother tongue in the
misguided approach to the acquisition of basic literacy.
The current collapsing of economies around the
world like a house of cards and the recognition that national
governments need to work in unison for a remedy are painful
proof of the global interconnectivity that is now part of
our everyday lives. Now, more than ever, we can clearly see
that languages will be essential to the success of the next
generation. To enable our children’s success, languages
must become part of the core curriculum from kindergarten.
We need to raise our expectations of all students
and trust them to rise to the challenge of learning a second
(or even third) language from an early age. Of course, basic
English literacy is necessary but if that is all we expect
we will be lucky to achieve it. Only by aiming higher can
we transfer respect to children necessary for them to believe
in themselves.
As we run up to the presidential election, bear
in mind that Senator Obama has stated in countless interviews
that he believes that while English Language learners should
become fluent in English, he also believes that English-speaking
students should be learning a second language by emphasizing
foreign languages in schools, while Senator McCain has not
voiced his opinion on the subject of language education.
Whoever presides in the White House for the
next four years, let’s hope that they have high hopes
for all American students and recognize that investment in
their education will produce a better return than any stocks,
bonds, or commodities.
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