by JC Bowman
Tennessee is changing. Bob Eby, the chairman of the State Board of Education, wants to cut the world language requirement for high school students. Now, they must earn two credits in a foreign language to graduate. Eby wants to lower that to one.
He suggests adding an extra elective, making it four instead of three. He thinks this will give students more choices. But there’s more to it. Eby believes that strict language requirements may push students away from important subjects like technology and coding.
Earlier this year, he even suggested dropping the language requirement entirely. He said a rigid curriculum could limit opportunities. He meant well, but his words sparked anger among educators and students. They value language education. It’s not just about words. It builds understanding and awareness of the world.
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In response, a petition to keep the two-year requirement gained thousands of signatures. The community cares about education. Lawmakers have spoken up too, emphasizing that language education is vital for a well-rounded experience and prepares students for a connected world.
As Eby stands ready to present his proposal, there will be no immediate debate or vote until February. The issue will linger. It’s a time of change, and it’s crucial to think about what reducing language requirements means. The job market is evolving, and speaking multiple languages is increasingly important. Choices matter. Education matters more.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the association are properly cited. For more information on this subject or any education issue please contact Professional Educators of Tennessee. To schedule an interview please contact info@proedtn.org or 1-800-471-4867.
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