Foreign language instruction vital to community

Editor:

I am writing to express my continued support for the Spanish language program in the K- 12 classrooms.

Columbia County should be leading the way to higher standards in the classrooms. Georgia ranks last in the United States in education at a time when the education of our children is more important than ever.

If the U.S., Georgia and most importantly Columbia County is to be a part of the global economy, we must teach foreign language to our students and to start at the kindergarten level to ensure that our children can compete in this new marketplace.

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The studies that have been done over the years prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that teaching foreign language at an early grade enhances a childs ability to learn the basics faster and at higher levels. These studies have been brought to the attention of Columbia County School Board members and school system officials at numerous meetings.

It is not whether we should expand the program, but how do we implement it in the fastest way possible so as to benefit all of the Columbia County students. Very few parents would object to paying an extra mill or two to pay for this program once the benefits are explained. We all want our children to be able to compete for the education and job opportunities that knowing a foreign language make possible.

Larry Waxman

Martinez