The Hill – Gretchen Busl
“The Modern Languages Association reported recently that foreign languages enrollments have decreased by 6.9 percent since 2009. Language departments are often the first cut in a budget crisis, and many universities have lowered or even eliminated foreign language requirements. Nonetheless, some states are working to encourage students to learn languages at the high school level. Indiana is the most recent state to consider a bill that would allow students to earn a “biliteracy” designation on their diploma. Indiana Senate Bill 267 was passed by that Senate recently, and has been approved by the House Committee on Education. This law would make Indiana the ninth state to implement a “seal of biliteracy,” earned by taking foreign language courses (or English as a second language) and passing a proficiency exam. These lawmakers seem to recognize that learning languages should be an integral part of public education. And why shouldn’t they? The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has collected a list of studies that suggest bilingualism promotes higher test scores, better memory skills, and increased reading skills, among many other benefits.”(more)