NE1: The Bi-Lingual Education Act [Signed]

[Barnes]

Sorry I couldn't drop in here earlier, but I consider expanding bi-lingual education crucial to our students' futures and our region's future. By preparing our future workforce to be equally competent in two languages, we prepare ourselves for the world of tomorrow.

[Barnes]

Speaking as a concerned citizen , would it not make sense to make this act somewhat broader, so that individual school boards, or even schools could choose. For example in areas like Vermont and northern Maine it would make more sense for the additional language to be french, as spanish is no use there. But the general principle is clearly a good thing.

Spanish is the largest growing second-language in the nation, so that's why I feel it's crucial to education. Although, I suppose we could amend it to allow districts that have more French than Spanish speakers to choose French instead. But, quite honestly, French is a dramatically shrinking language when it comes to international business and speakers.

[Barnes]

I am a citizen seeking information about this Act. It states that both English and Spanish will be taught as primary languages.

Does it mean all students will receive the same number of hours of teaching of English language and Spanish language. The other school topics are taught in English.

Just that it seems to me teaching both languages as equal is a litlle too much.

I would envision having a specific English class and a specific Spanish class. Now, we can allow the school boards the leeway to decided exactly how to use the instruction.

[Barnes]

Barnes, would you support amending the bill to allow students to choose which foreign language they want to study?

I would not be opposed to it, but at age five, do you think children could really make that choice?

[Barnes]

Barnes, would you support amending the bill to allow students to choose which foreign language they want to study?

I would not be opposed to it, but at age five, do you think children could really make that choice?

I don't see why not.  I just don't want the introduction of Spanish at an early age to lead to less people taking up German or French or Latin, etc.

They would still be able to study these other languages at their leasure, but I feel that we need to make our students competent in this quickly growing language early in life.

[Barnes]

I concede the need for more flexibility.

Aye.

[Barnes]

Nay


I like the intent of the bill, but the funding and substance just isn't there --nor were any of my questions answered.

This is just a vote on an amendment.

[Barnes]

Aye.

[Barnes]

I get this is a game, but you guys don't even want to simulate fiscal responsibility. Teachers unions would be crying foul at this bill, property owners would freak out because it means school districts have to raise property taxes. I understand you want to fund it in the budget your currently working on, but stand alone, this would never pass IRL.

Inpersonating what would happen in real life is not at all the point of this game...

At least certainly not in this point if its existence.

[Barnes]

So you have maybe 75,000 kindergarten teachers who need to become fluent in the next year or else be replaced.  So I'm guessing we're talking $400 million or so for that, plus another $200 million for new instructional materials.   

You can expect a hell of a lot of pushback from the private schools on this.

The private schools section is one that was kind of ignored during the debate. Honestly, I think it will create unnesecary backlash. I'll look into amending it.