E lementary World Language Task Force

Sub-Committee #1: Community Support

January 11, 2008

In attendance this evening were Kate Hrach, Christine Misback, Katia Kennedy, Mari Osio, Dr. Bucci and CC Kelly. The committee did an excellent job on the community survey questions. There was discussion as to what would be the best time to gauge community support. The idea was brought about that it would be helpful to educate the community about the benefits of studying a second language particularly at the elementary level. The discussion at this meeting was very productive and informative as the group played out different scenarios about how elementary WL would actually be taught and that it would not be just another course to add stress to the students’ day. Mrs. Kelly added that should languages move to the lower grades, such as K-3, then certainly the main focus is on speaking and listening. The classes would be very engaging with the students moving, dancing, singing, and doing functional activities and games in the target languages.

The group felt that perhaps we should spend some time to educate and inform the community about languages as they were no longer taught by the grammar translation method of decades ago.

The conclusion was to put short yet informative bits of information about languages on the Friday Flash along with pertinent websites for those who wanted more information. At the end of each bi-weekly WL advertisement there will be a question to answer whereby each answer would be tracked. Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Kelly will meet to create the questions for the Friday Flash. The group decided that about 6-8 questions from now until the end of the school year would be appropriate.

The original survey created by Sub-Committee #1 would become part of the Task Force’s final report to the School Board and then administered at a more appropriate time.

The meeting lasted from 7-8:54 p.m.