High school is where students gain most of the experience that prepares them for life and propels them forward to success. For this reason, Gabrielino High School should attempt to offer a wider variety of classes to its students, particularly in the foreign language department.
The deficit of variety in foreign language courses is glaringly obvious. The College Board offers a total of eight AP foreign language, culture, and literature classes. Gabrielino falls short, only offering two: Spanish and Mandarin.
The number of foreign language courses missing is noticeable. This deficiency being centralized in only one area–foreign language–leaves students with limited options, making it difficult for them to find equivalent courses to pursue.
However, it’s important to note that the initiative of incorporating new courses is complex and demanding. It requires rigorous administrative work.
Kevin Murchie, Gabrielino’s assistant principal, feels that classes are something of a “matrix.”
“The matrix is all the teachers in all the sections of the classes.” He elaborates, “I don’t think anybody really understands how complicated it is…”
“You somehow have to get all the kids programmed into it, and there are always little hang-ups or catches,” Murchie added.
This presents a roadblock in the process of introducing new courses, such as new foreign language classes. However, foreign language and culture classes hold special importance. They expose students to new ideas and perspectives.
It’s a way to travel without leaving the classroom. This unique experience for students in these classes makes it worth the trouble of incorporating them into Gabrielino.
It’s hard to match the experience of a foreign language class with any other elective.
Without the appropriate diversity of these classes, students’ opportunities are limited. This significantly diminishes the scope to which they can learn, appreciate, and respect other cultures and languages.
Elective courses enrich the high school experience. They provide students with a unique opportunity to explore their interests and reach personal goals.
Language courses can shape and change the perspectives of students and can ignite students’ curiosity about global diversity. It introduces them to new languages and cultures, allowing students to connect with the wider world. Without these classes, Gabrielino students would be missing out on the benefits associated with them.
Learning a new language also introduces students to global opportunities such as studying abroad, being a more impactful job candidate, or even emigrating to a new country.
Available foreign language courses range from AP French Language and Culture to AP Latin. However, none of these courses are available to Gabrielino students, shutting the door before they have a chance to experience them.
Additionally, two years of foreign language are required not only to graduate high school but also to meet the A-G requirements. Taking these classes is a crucial part of every student’s future.
However, this being a requirement does not mean that students should simply adhere to only two foreign language classes. Students should be able to explore their interests and curiosities, like for instance, learning about other cultures and languages. Just because something has to be done does not mean it cannot still provide an important experience that is enjoyable for students.
Investing more in the availability and diversity of foreign language courses will be better in the long run, and prove more beneficial to students. It nurtures students’ creativity and allows them to explore career paths in foreign countries with a better understanding of the language and culture of those new countries.
Curiosity should be fostered. Students should be able to explore different languages and cultures, and not have to conform to the limited availability offered by the school.
Although there is a tall hill to climb in getting new courses integrated into Gabrielino, teachers, and administration should strive to add more diverse classes so that students can explore their unique interests.
