What world languages should be offered by schools?

There is no simple answer to this question. The choice of languages can range from modern languages (such as Italian, Spanish, or Chinese) and classical languages (such as Latin) to American Sign Language. It is recommended that a district advisory board, which includes parents, makes the decision regarding the language(s) that will be taught in kindergarten through grade 12. The advisory board should take the following into consideration:

• The major languages and cultures represented in the community;
• The interest of the students;
• The languages in demand by the current and projected job market; and
• The availability of qualified world language teachers in that language.

Distance learning opportunities, such as teaching students via satellite or Internet connection, should also be explored.