Chinese program becomes voluntary at Roosevelt, Harrison
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The Janesville School District administration is expected to present options for converting the district's Chinese language program from mandatory to voluntary when the school board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
JANESVILLE — Chinese will no longer be mandatory for children in grades 3-5 at Harrison and Roosevelt elementary schools.
The Janesville School Board made that decision at a special meeting Tuesday night. The board told the administration to come up with options for making the change by Oct. 13.
Some board members rebuked the administration for not making it clear from the outset that the program was to be mandatory.
"I think the word (mandatory) was deliberately not used," said board member Tim Cullen.
Board member Bill Sodemann agreed to the change but defended the administration: "I do not believe for one minute that it was intentional."
The board approved the program in July. Instruction began this month. A parent who didn't want her son taking Chinese complained to the board in recent weeks, and that's when some board members found out the program they approved was mandatory.
Parents Sandra and Dave Fisher complained they were not even told their son would be taking Chinese until they read about it in a newsletter the first day of school.
"There's a certain amount of relief that there can be an end to this, because we can start dealing with specifically what is best for our child," Sandra Fisher said after the meeting.
Fisher said she would reserve final judgment on the board's action until she saw what plans are put in place at her school.
"I take full responsibility here," Director of Instruction Donna Behn told the board. "It was always an assumption that this was going to be a part of our core curriculum. … I will apologize to you if I did not state that or clearly make that point."
"We were misled," Cullen responded. "There isn't an 'if' in the situation."
All board members agreed they support Chinese instruction.
Board president DuWayne Severson voted for the change but said he was upset that the administration, which he blamed for creating the problem, was given two weeks to fix it, while parents he had heard from are still "stuck" in a program they don't want for their children.
Severson said the administration had misled the board before, when the board approved the 4-year-old kindergarten program only to find out weeks later the plan would add the expense of an administrator to oversee it.
Roosevelt parents were told about the program before the school year began, but Harrison parents were not. Behn said she takes responsibility for that, too.
Board member Lori Stottler, who voted against the motion, said she was frustrated that Harrison Principal Marlene Novota was not at the meeting to clarify matters, and why Novota was not present for a previous meeting on the subject.
The students should be represented by their principal, Stottler said.
Sodemann apologized for not asking better questions the night he voted for the program.
Sodemann commended the administration for setting up the program but said it should be voluntary.
Diedre Richard, who voted against the motion and who has a son in the program, said she understood that miscommunications happen.
Children in grades 3, 4 and 5 have been getting 30-minute lessons in Chinese language and culture every other day, for five days every two weeks.
Superintendent Karen Schulte said she is ultimately responsible for the situation and takes responsibility for it. Schulte said she believes the program should be mandatory, but she said the district must address concerns of parents 'who got caught in the middle."
The vote was 5-2. Greg Ardrey abstained because he came late to the meeting and didn't hear the entire discussion. Peggy Sheridan was absent.
Ironically, the district just received word that the program was chosen as one of three in the state and 200 in the nation that are exemplary in the teaching of Chinese to elementary students.
If the program had remained mandatory, as "best practices" dictate, the district would have won a $10,000 award from the Asia Society, Behn said.
Oct 5, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.
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redhawk
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.
Suggest removal I think everyone on this post so far has missed the point, give us a CHOICE.
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Name one, ONE other choice given to elementary school children/parents.
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There are NONE. Every elementary child (non-SPED) takes the same English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and Music.
In elementary school, there are no electives! None, zero, zip, nadda.
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Why these parents and this school board wouldn't/didn't know about that FACT is beyond me.
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This is EXACTLY what happens when non education professionals get involved with education.
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Can you imagine a group of non educators sitting around and every other Tuesday deciding what Dr.'s should/shouldn't be doing? Or mechanics? Or pilots?
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This community is truly amazing to me. 30 minutes/day, 5 days/2 weeks and this? YIKES!!!
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Dr. Behm, you need to tel the school board to get a clue. Nobody should be treated the way you have been over this. You strength and courage is to be commended.
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This school board is out of control. Changes are needed ASAP. Watch the board meetings, see how people are treated. Role models for respect, our school board is NOT!
Oct 2, 2009 at 4:32 p.m.
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Donna Behn should be apologizing to NO ONE. These parents and board members should apologize to her for being such jackasses about this whole thing.
Now that I know anything is optional, I'll be pulling my kids out of math and science class. After all, this is AMERICA. Math and science have nothing to do with our kids.
Oct 2, 2009 at 4:18 p.m.
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Whether this is mandatory or not, it won't change the fact that so many others have astutely pointed out below- that China has MILLIONS of children that speak both mandarin and English fluently, and have indescribable poverty and family motivations to become educated. While USA students are busy vandalizing property in the name of FOOTBALL! , worshipping Miley Cyrus, and driving drunk, China and India are busy educating a veritable army of educated young people with enormous drive.
So yeah, rest easy that your kids will no longer be forced to endure the history of the Great Wall, or be indoctrinated with the Moon Festival. Just don;t be surprised in twenty years when they are bowing and saying 'Thank you for my paycheck, Honorable Lao Tzang."
Oct 2, 2009 at 3:48 p.m.
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The only problem I see is that foreign language isn't mandatory at ALL the elementary schools! We live in a global economy and knowing a foreign language will be a huge asset when you grow up and are looking for a high paying job. The world is changing and Janesville should be thrilled that our schools are trying to get ahead of the curve. The days of high paying factory work are over and our children will be facing a very competitive world-wide job market. Let's prepare them and not cling to the past.
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Are these the same parents who threatened the school about showing Obama's speech? This superintendent/school board continues to disappoint me when they cave to the vocal minority.
Oct 2, 2009 at 11:44 a.m.
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Question to localmatters: I translated your Chinese. Why did you say "I like a warm hotel in Beijing?"
I only have one thing to say to you.
您应该学习中文，然后再键入注释
Oct 2, 2009 at 8:56 a.m.
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"singblues" hits on what I believe are the real issues here. Some kids are fine to miss out on a couple hours a week of reading or language, but for others this time could be critical for enforcing English laguage fundamentals.
Also, parents need to be realistic about how much the Chinese Langauge program will benefit their children. They may have overblown expectations. I think some folks are seeing this as an educational panacea for there kids.
The research I've read since this uproar (this from the American Educational Research Association) states:
WHAT SHOULD POLICYMAKERS DO?
FIRST, recognize that simply starting early does not guarantee that a language will be learned
SECOND, support age-appropriate foreign language teaching--a total immersion program for young children, moving toward a more explicit focus on structure for adolescents and adults.
THIRD, be realistic with students and parents about how much foreign language skill a few hours a week of instruction can generate, especially for preschool and elementary school learners. Such limited instruction will not lead to mastery, but it may build motivation and a "taste" for language learning.
FOURTH, recognize that for almost everyone, high proficiency in foreign language will develop outside the classroom, through conversation with native speakers made possible by the skills acquired in the classroom.
Oct 1, 2009 at 10:47 p.m.
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DiGriz is exactly right.
To underscore his point, China passed the United States almost five years ago as the number one consumer of raw materials.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/China-b...
Oct 1, 2009 at 8 p.m.
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What people don't understand is that kids are being pulled from reading and language arts to learn Chinese. I'm all for learning a second languange at a young age, but it should not be taken out of their reading time. This is a critical time when kids need to get a grip on their own language first. What I find interesting is that Chinese is not offered again until high school....so what happens between elementary and high school? They will have to re-learn everything.
Oct 1, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
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Next up: Should attending recess require a signed permission slip?
Oct 1, 2009 at 6:02 p.m.
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Anyone been shopping at Walmart lately?
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OkieFed states: Why are we helping build their economy?
TrueCitizen states: I almost don't (buy[] their products) at all (for real).
So, I repeat: Anyone been shopping at Walmart lately?
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Yes, this whole story started with the "mandatory" nature of the Chinese class. But there's more to it, isn't there?
There are those with an ANTI-China agenda (either political or xenophobic in nature) and those who want school as simple - and cheap - as possible for students.
I'd like to see neighborhood discussions about what is taught in our schools - and why. Is it only to graduate? get into college? get any kind of job - whether one can read or not? make a better life for themselves, their family AND their community?
Topics this long need a forum in the community, not just on a computer screen. We're missing a lot of residents who do not have a computer or desire not to post. We need their voices, too.
Most rooms in our schools sit empty every night. How much more will lighting and heating cost to have forums that make for a better community? What price do we pay for citizenship? I don't have the answers to these questions and wonder if someone does.
Oct 1, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.
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LIke I said in the previous postings for this story...China is a communist state with a horrible record of treatment to it's people. They do not trade fairly with the U.S (though you people keep buying their products and goods)-I almost don't at all (for real).
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You softies out there want everyone else to be open minded and accepting of this language-issue. I tell you, I don't want anything more to do with that country or it's language. Politically speaking (not ethnically), I am sick of them. I don't see this opinion of mine as being a loose-association either.
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This school district needs to get it's priorities in order about x-tra curicular issues. Again, there is more options which are much more viable (and practical), which kids could learn. And yes, open minded too.
Oct 1, 2009 at 4:23 p.m.
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this is a free country, no one should be forced to do or learn anything.
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:36 p.m.
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OkieFed, China is the United States' second largest trading partner. India is fifteenth. We do ten times as much business with China as we do with India.
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/cy_m3_r...
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.
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Please stop adding programs then say you have no money.
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.
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hey zoom, I am 56, have lived my whole life in Janesville, and I am not closed minded, bigoted, racist, religionist. etc. I am just a guy trying to support myself and family and get some joy out of life. Janesville is a great place to live your life.
Oct 1, 2009 at 2:17 p.m.
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What would the parents have said if it was Spanish instead of Mandarin? What a bunch of xenophobes...Too bad, because kids lose out on exposure to other cultures when this kind of stuff happens. The US doesn't have an official language, and why should it? We have so many different cultures represented here, that one language is not representative of the diversity within our nation. Learning multiple languages at a young age gives every child a better chance for success in their future; it should not be viewed as a handicap. And since when do parents have a say in the curriculum? I could understand if it was "bomb-making 101" or "learning how to abuse alcohol"....
Oct 1, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
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我喜欢温馨酒店北京。
Oct 1, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.
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totellthetruth suggests "the only MANDATORY classes should be the true core curriculum, reading, writing, and math, not some feel good foreign language". Then art, music, and phy ed should also be optional, right?
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:29 p.m.
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Yes, in 1910, the language in our schools reflected local demographics. In 2009, it's time that the languages taught in our K-12 schools reflected both U.S. demographics (where Spanish is widely spoken) and the global economy (where Chinese is important).
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.
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Really, should close minded comments be surprising from someone who seems to have never lived outside of Janesville?
I totally agree with you Zoom. Localboy - English is NOT the American "official" language - there is no official language for the United States.
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
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totellthetruth,
thank you for bringing the point at hand back to this blog."MANDATORY"
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:26 a.m.
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An issue here is definitely parental involvement. I would not want Chinese mandatory, nor would I want Farsi taught. Some of these kids have a hard enough time understanding what a verb is, and you want to teach them how to speak a different language? It is perfectly fine for some student, but the only MANDATORY classes should be the true core curriculum, reading, writing, and math, not some feel good foreign language.
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.
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misterlippy...SARCASM appears to be lost on you. Reread her comments again, with your sarcasm hat on.
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.
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I also demand that we teach children about the flying spaghetti monster and Russell's teapot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell's_t...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_spag...
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.
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evansvilleHW - your weakmindedness saddens me - go stick your head back in the sand like the rest of the Christian "ostriches."
I suppose we just "gotta have faith," right? God made everything because the Bible and Evansvillehouse wife says so - This completely trumps scientific reason, years of research, and irrefutable evidence that doesn't suggest but proves, that the earth is millions of years old.
Pony up - acknowledge that when you die, you will be gone and a man/god/deity, whatever you want to call it, is not going to save you. It sucks, but it's called life.
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.
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Chinese is a better language to teach than Spanish, for the simple reason that China is a bigger economic power than Central America will ever be.
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:08 a.m.
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Really, should close minded comments be surprising from someone who seems to have never lived outside of Janesville?
Oct 1, 2009 at 11:07 a.m.
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ifiruledtheworld,
the Gazzette slanted it that way the parents issue is the fact that it is "mandatory"
Oct 1, 2009 at 10:32 a.m.
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Might as well learn some of it. These kids might need it if they become businessmen and busnesswomen.
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:39 a.m.
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Irishbychoice - if you want to become a citizen of the U.S. "officialy and legally", you must pass a test in English (not Chinese). This includes reading and writing it.
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
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Condeming the Chinese Language program because it teaches religion is simply a red herring--a false issue. Please, let's take any religious component out of this otherwise productive conversation on the merits of or need for the Chinese program.
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.
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The United States of America does not have an official language, English or otherwise.
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:09 a.m.
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tom1- it WAS sarcasm. The closed mindedness and fearmongering in this case is ridiculous.
Are we going to now make ALL social studies "voluntary" since the ancient religions may be mentioned? What about the horrific Socialist ideology breached in Sinclair's "The Jungle?" Not to mention the hideous LIE that the Earth is more than a few thousand years old! I mean, can you believe they want to teach CARBON DATING to your kids, when they SHOULD teach that GOD MADE EVERYTHING, plain and simple!
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:03 a.m.
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Kay, I hate to tell you, but it is 2009, not 1910. Our official language is English. It is not close-minded to be upset to be forced to learn Chinese or any other language other than English. What is next? Mandatory Communism? If you want to expand yourself professionally, then take it as an elective. Is calculus mandatory? Is statistical process control mandatory? You can expand your horizons without being "forced" to take a foreign language...
Oct 1, 2009 at 8:42 a.m.
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localboysince1968, I hate to tell you, but America isn't the only country in the world, and English is not the only language. It's very, very common in other countries to speak multiple languages, which has its advantages personally and professionally. When schools first began in Wisconsin, they weren't all taught in English. The students' native languages (often German) were used, and the nation's first kindergarten was founded by a German immigrant here in Wisconsin too. In fact, in 1910, 25% of the Wisconsin population told a Census taker that they *only* spoke German and not English. I'm so tired of close-minded, factually inaccurate opinions being bandied about under the guise of "American pride". http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...
Oct 1, 2009 at 8:22 a.m.
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Who cares about the $10,000.00 award for bla bla bla...and you watch, this will gets it's roots in and later become mandatory. Teach things that are worth wild to our kids. Not this.
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The discussion of how big CHina is in the owrld-market has nothing to do with our kids. Individual children who grow up and play part in trading, markets etc...they can learn the damn language if they want to! Until then, lets focus on the literacy issues and other precious teachings our kids still need.
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What things will our schools leaders come up with next. Stop living in fluff land.
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Stop being so sympathetic to this also, our kids have more issues which are applicable to real life right now-wake up!
Oct 1, 2009 at 8:01 a.m.
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I will tell you what the problem is. This is America. Our language is English. This was established many years ago. It is not Spanish, it is not Chinese, it is English. If you want to offer other languages as an opportunity to expand your vocabulary, then so be it. But don't make it manditory. This has nothing to do with color, race or ignorance. This has to do with American pride. I would be one of these parents who would be having a fit if my child was forced to take Chinese. If you want to be forced to take Chinese, move to China.
Oct 1, 2009 at 6:09 a.m.
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The quotes by a school board member: "We were misled." and "There isn't an 'if' in the situation." are interesting. A pat on the back to Mr. Sodermann for saying that better questions should have been asked before voting. These comments seem to be more appropriate about the situation. It would seem logical to find out if the class is an elective or required from the very start of discussion. I really don't believe that anyone was trying to hide anthing from anyone. It was also nice to see supt. Karen Schulte stepping up to the plate and doing a nice job during the meeting. I must add that I have heard very positive comments about the teacher of this class.
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:58 a.m.
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I am all for kids learning a second language. I'm bilingual myself and found that learning a second language did help me learn English more easily. While Chinese may be one of the most spoken languages on Earth, it's not HERE. In the United States, English and Spanish are the most common. It would have been a better use of funding and time to create a decent Spanish language program AND reinforce the English curriculum. Kids needs to learn that "text speak" is not an acceptable form a writing. Along that same note, Wikipedia is not research!
Sep 30, 2009 at 11:57 p.m.
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Think about the uproar this issue has created the next time someone tries to convince you that bringing religion into the public schools would be a good idea. People can't even agree about having their children exposed to a different language, which makes me think tolerance for different religious beliefs would be a long shot!
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.
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I think everyone on this post so far has missed the point, give us a CHOICE.
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:30 p.m.
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On a related note, I see that our ab fab district superintendent has once again managed to pass the buck.
She claims she wants the program to be mandatory but ONCE AGAIN kowtowed to the threats of a vocal minority.
Way to go, Karen!
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:26 p.m.
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Pete, for once I agree with you 100%. :D
Parents, *any* foreign language instruction will open up opportunities for your child and more importantly *will* improve your child's command of English.
I wonder what caused a small minority of parents to be so upset.
Sep 30, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.
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Wisconsin DPI’s International Education Council Recommendations: Global Literacy for Wisconsin
http://dpi.wi.gov/cal/pdf/ie-recom.pdf
This IE Council includes
- Roger E. Axtell (former V.P. of Worldwide Marketing for The Parker Pen Company)
- Jane Thompson (Janesville Academy for International Studies)
They also collaborate with such groups as Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. (Hint: They have a vested interest to create jobs in the 21st century. Do your kids have any job prospects yet? Maybe at Woodman's, unpacking trucks?)
Articles from the Asia Society – the group that was going to provide $10K award:
Report: States Prepare for the Global Age (full of info on Wisconsin throughout).
http://www.asiasociety.org/files/statesp...
=Page 17: Exports to Asia from Wisconsin
=Page 52: Wisconsin Profile (5 year old stats: 2004)
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2004 value of exports: $12.7 billion
-Percentage of manufacturing workforce supported by exports: 15.9%
-People employed by U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies: 112,500
TOP 5 MERCHANDISE EXPORT PRODUCTS, 2004
1. Machinery Manufactures
2. Computers & Electronic Products
3. Transportation Equipment
4. Paper Products
5. Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Parts
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=Page 53: Schools include Osseo, LaCrosse, Dousman, Wausau, Wisc Rapids.
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Articles on website:
=Supply Your School with Highly Qualified Teachers
http://www.asiasociety.org/education-lea...
=How Global is Your School?
http://www.asiasociety.org/education-lea...
-Quote---------------------------------------------
“In order to promote strategic and economic opportunities that will make our nation safer and more prosperous, every student will need a solid grounding of knowledge about the history of the U.S. and our vital democratic institutions. But we must also integrate knowledge of world history, geography, science and technology, world languages, literature and international affairs into the school day. — JOHN ENGLER President of National Association of Manufacturers and Former Governor of Michigan (I think he understands about automobile economies…)
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:52 p.m.
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Lastly, Mr. Cullen should get off his high, pompous horse--the one he always seems to ride in on to "save the day." I agree. In addition, he should stop acting like the north end of a south bound horse.
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:45 p.m.
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The entire school board should be embarrassed by this. First, they should have asked pointed questions about the implementation of the Chinese Language program back in July when they approved it. Sounds like they didn't have a clue. Then, they ought to be ashamed at backing down from their votes to launch this core program. They could have insisted the the program be given a year to work the kinks out and go through a proper evaluation. Lastly, Mr. Cullen should get off his high, pompous horse--the one he always seems to ride in on to "save the day."
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:24 p.m.
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And so you all know chinese is the next most spoken language on the earth next to english, I think it is a good thing to learn chinese or any other language you can. I am saddened by this. And the attitudes of people.
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:22 p.m.
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Yeah I have, I still don't find it funny! I don't kid about my kids color or heritage it's who I am, I am very proud of it and them!!!!
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:19 p.m.
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ummmm....tom1cass2????
have you heard of sarcasm?
look it up sometime
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:13 p.m.
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Nothing like showing how prejudice we are. And I have two of those yellow scourge you talk about. So yes I do take offense!
Sep 30, 2009 at 6:53 p.m.
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Thank heavens! Our children will now be protected from the yellow scourge! I hope they replace this heathen Chinese threat with some good old fashioned Home Ec and Wood shop!!
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:06 p.m.
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Yeah, good question, Hornet. Are other cities as insular and xenophobic as Janesville? I would like to know.
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.
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"Ironically, the district just received word that the program was chosen as one of three in the state and 200 in the nation that are exemplary in the teaching of Chinese to elementary students."
So, which two other schools in the state received this ranking and what do their residents think? I'd love to hear/read their thoughts about their own program(s) and Janesville's POV on the need for Chinese education.
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