As a World Language teacher in the district, I can accurately respond to a few of these comments. First of all, no, language is not required to graduate. It should be, as it is treated as a core subject in every other country of the world. Secondly, students do need it for college. They may get into college without it, but will likely have trouble graduating without one in most fields. Thirdly, I have taught all types of students from valedictorians to those with fairly severe special needs. Every single one of them as said after their 3-4 years with me that their English improved because of taking my language!! World language doesn’t just teach language. We teach culture, history, geography and just about every other subject as well. In a given week I may go from discussing food preparation to staying healthy to weather to practicing vocabulary by running around in a game situation. No other subject area addresses so many aspects of the curriculum and enhances overall learning as much as World Language. I love the idea of adding Sign Language. I would gladly welcome them into our department, but not all aspects of language learning are present in ASL. One reason universities want World Language is the worldly/ cultural dimension. ASL would teach tolerance and understanding of people’s differences within the US, but wouldn’t reach out to the world in quite the same way.

How about getting these kids to be able to speak, read and write ENGLISH correctly first?
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Personally I wish I had Russian as a choice. Would come in handy in some places I go to Chicago (heavy Polish & Russian immigrant areas). Quit taking Spanish after 2 yrs because I didnt think I'd need it at all and the instructor started rattling off so fast I just couldnt grasp it. Then 3 yrs of French.
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futuresailor, 2yrs of a second language was required when I was in HS in janesville.

Another language may not be required to graduate, but try to get into a university without two years of it! And good idea on the ASL - I tried to take it at UW-LaCrosse and later at UW-Whitewater, wasn't offered.

Great point about ASL. I wish that I knew more than just a few signs.
In my experience, studying a foreign language has had many benefits. Besides being able to communicate with people that I run into that speak Spanish or Russian, these languages helped me understand English better. Spanish helped me understand English verb tenses. Russian helped me understand parts of speech such as indirect objects, direct objects, and prepositions. If taught correctly, foreign language in high school can supplement and reinforce lessons learned in English courses.

Here in Janesville a 2nd language is not required

I think you guys are all great!The whole sign language option is wonderful!My problem with this whole "World Language" thing is that there are so many kids that can't even pass English class and the schools are wanting to push another language on them? I know in HS you have to take a foreign language in order to graduate and be able to pass it. I feel it should be up to the kids if they want to explore another country and study the language. It shouldn't be up to the parents to take the survey. Only the students should decide.

Elkhorn High School actually offered it a couple of years ago, maybe they still do. It is taught through video, or video conferencing of some sort. This would be really nice at the elementary school level because they pick up on it so much more quickly when they are young.

I agree with everyone that felt that sign language should be an option for each student. I personally have had an experience last year when my child could have used sign language to communicate with another student. Even though there was a communication barrier, they became good friends. My child still wishes to learn more in order to be able to communicate. This was in Pre-k. Also as an added note, the Milwaukee County Zoo has added new this year sign language signs at each of their exhibits and has also called sign language- universal! So, if its universal, don't you think we should offer this as being the top choice? I personally think so and think it would be foolish not too!

Here is a more direct link to the survey page.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Z...

Excellent points. Since 1991 Wisconsin has recognized ASL as a foreign language for the purposes of counting high school credit. (Not all states do.) This means that Janesville could offer it as an equivalent without jeopardizing state funding.
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They're probably right that demand is tied to college tracking, though, and only about 20 colleges have an ASL major.

tibetrin: I agree 100%. My niece is deaf and goes to school in Elkhorn. Her family decided to keep her in the public schools rather than attend WSD in Delavan. It has really worked out well for her and the other chidren in her class have benefitted from this as well. I think that her situation has brought sign language to the school district in an informal way, but it would be nice to see it as a class.

Why is it that I never see sign language as an option? Wait, are we to believe that deaf people don't exist in our world and workplace? Granted, there is the School for The Deaf in Delavan, but what about neighbors or family members who are deaf? Please consider filling out the survey and suggesting that sign language be an option. Thanks!