the new math: old battle of the lovees was: PDP1 3575

Precisely ... that is the problem with the Floridian proposal.

Absolutely true. This will help with test taking. This won't help with literacy and fluency, a stated goal of someone I know who backs this proposal. The Haitian students (most common example in South Coastal Florida that I can think of) who speak Creole or French are already learning English. This is reinforced throughout the school day in other clbuttes. If the proposal is implemented, these students will be required to take Spanish, which they will have for 55 minutes a day at best. For purposes of becoming fluent and literate in Spanish, the reinforcement outside of clbutt that the Spanish-speaking immigrants already enjoy won't be available. The Haitians who aren't motivated to learn Spanish will continue to seek out other Creole and French speakers.

For these students who want to take Spanish, I say go ahead and let them. They at least have the desire which can help motivate them to seek reinforcement outside the clbuttroom. I see no reason to require Spanish when they can just as easily take Creole or French or their native language. For these students, the foreign language requirement is fulfilled by learning English.

It occurs to me that if Spanish is required, enrollment in electives (including other foreign language clbuttes) will drop. -- 7:30, Channel 5: The Bionic Dog (Action-Adventure) The Bionic Dog drinks too much and kicks over the National Redwood Forest.