Mandatory Arabic Classes Coming to Texas School

[Pony Boy]

Mandatory Arabic Classes Coming To Texas

All a part of a U.S. Department of Education $1.3 million grant

MANSFIELD (CBSDFW.COM) – Some Students at Mansfield ISD schools (Dallas Fort Worth) could soon be learning Arabic as a required language. The school district wants students at select schools to take Arabic language and culture classes as part of a federally funded grant.

The Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) grant was awarded to Mansfield ISD last summer by the U.S. Department of Education.

As part of the five-year $1.3 million grant, Arabic classes would be mandatory at Cross Timbers Intermediate School and Kenneth Davis Elementary School. The program would also be optional for students at T. A. Howard Middle School and Summit High School.

Parents at Cross Timbers say they were caught off-guard by the program, and were surprised the district only told them about it in a meeting Monday night between parents and Mansfield ISD Superintendent Bob Morrison.

The DOE has identified Arabic as a ‘language of the future.’ But parent Joseph Balson was frustrated by the past. “Why are we just now finding out about it?” asked Balson. “It’s them (Mansfield ISD) applying for the grant, getting it approved and them now saying they’ll go back and change it only when they were caught trying to implement this plan without parents knowing about it.”

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/07/mandatory-arabic-classes-coming-to-mansfield/

[Requiem]

It will be a good opportunity for those children. Wish I could have started learning Arabic when I was younger.

[Mile High Shack]

something, something Obama, something, something socialist, something something Muslims

[Rohirrim]

I imagine they are looking to the future of our national security and diplomacy. One of the great deficits we discovered after 911 is that we had very few Arabic speakers in our diplomatic corps, military, law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

[DenverBrit]

Texas schools introducing Arabic is ludicrous.

Make them learn English like the rest of the country. ;)

[Requiem]

I imagine they are looking to the future of our national security and diplomacy. One of the great deficits we discovered after 911 is that we had very few Arabic speakers in our diplomatic corps, military, law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

I was looking into doing crytpologic linguistics with the Army after graduation. Would have loved to learn Arabic -- assuming I would have dominated the DLAB, which I probably would have. You can make hella bank knowing Arabic these days.

[Pony Boy]

Here's the rub, it's all part of a U.S. Department of Education $1.3 million grant. Do we really need to borrow money from the Chinese to teach Arabic in our public schools?

[Requiem]

Warped way of looking at the information presented, Pony.

I have no problems with schools applying for grants that are available by the Federal Government and implementing foreign language classes into the curriculum that already exists at those schools.

No problem with this at all.

[Pony Boy]

Warped way of looking at the information presented, Pony.

I have no problems with schools applying for grants that are available by the Federal Government and implementing foreign language classes into the curriculum that already exists at those schools.

No problem with this at all.

The problem is there should not be grants available to teach Arabic in public schools unless the grants are provided by a private donor. If that's the case then I don't have a problem with it but I do have a problem if it's tax dollars and also with Arabic as a mandatory required language course.

[ghwk]

The problem is there should not be grants available to teach Arabic in public schools unless the grants are provided by a private donor. If that's the case then I don't have a problem with it but I do have a problem if it's tax dollars and also with Arabic as a mandatory required language course.

Spanish ok with you then?

[Mile High Shack]

The problem is there should not be grants available to teach Arabic in public schools unless the grants are provided by a private donor. If that's the case then I don't have a problem with it but I do have a problem if it's tax dollars and also with Arabic as a mandatory required language course.

something something Obama, something something socialism, something something Muslims

[Mile High Shack]

Spanish ok with you then?

I was required to take a foreign language, guess I should demand the tax dollars spent on that to be refunded

damn brown skinned languages

[Pony Boy]

Spanish ok with you then?

Si

[Fedaykin]

Si


Dare I ask why Arabic is a problem, but Spanish isn't?

[bronco militia]

Mandatory Arabic Classes Coming To Texas


I only have a problem with bolded underlined portion

[Rohirrim]

The problem is there should not be grants available to teach Arabic in public schools unless the grants are provided by a private donor. If that's the case then I don't have a problem with it but I do have a problem if it's tax dollars and also with Arabic as a mandatory required language course.

The need is governmental, not private.

[Arkie]

We should be teaching them Chinese.

Total number of native and secondary speakers of top languages.
1. Mandarin Chinese (1.12 billion)
2. English (450 million)
3. Spanish (350 million)
4. Hindi/Urdu (350 million)
5. Russian (285 million)
6. French (265 million)
7. Arabic (221 million)
8. Portuguese (188 million)
9. Bengali (185 million)
10. Japanese (133 million)
11. Punjabi (130 million)
12. German (109 million)

[Requiem]

Nice, I know two of those on that list well and am trying to learn a few more. WOO.

[Pony Boy]

Dare I ask why Arabic is a problem, but Spanish isn't?

When we have an Arabic restaurant on every street corner and the schools are filled with kids speaking Arabic, I might reconsider. Also the U.S. shares a border with Mexico, so in other words if I lived in India I might feel the need to learn Chinese.........Comprende?

[elsid13]

The way grants work are the local school district writes the proposal, explaining how fits in their teaching method and what they want to achieve. The Dept of Ed then funds the proposal if meets certain standards and criteria. Once the school district/school accept the money they have to follow the condition of the grant (like a contract). I wouldn't be surprised that all the "surprised parents", didn't read the local school message sent to them that this was going on.

I bet if you pull the string on this you find out that foreign language is mandatory and the school is just using Arabic because the Dept of Ed will fund the teachers, equipment and books for that language.

[Rohirrim]

When we have an Arabic restaurant on every street corner and the schools are filled with kids speaking Arabic, I might reconsider. Also the U.S. shares a border with Mexico, so in other words if I lived in India I might feel the need to learn Chinese.........Comprende?

Mmmm. Falafels. ;D

[cutthemdown]

What they really mean is we need people who can speak arabic because we will be fighting them for the rest of time. I would rather kids learn Chinese because there ismore money to made there.

[Pony Boy]

This grant is a total misuse of Department of Education funds intended for use by the No Child Left behind Act.

The grant to teach mandatory Arabic Classes in Texas was funded under Title V of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001).

The purpose and mission of the No Child Left Behind Act is to eliminate the achievement gap that exists between groups of students within our nation's schools.
A glaring disparity exists in the achievement of Black, Hispanic, and students living in poverty when compared to white and more affluent students in the subjects of reading and mathematics.

In 2003, 39 percent of white fourth graders scored at the proficient level in reading, while only 12 percent of Black students and 14 percent of Hispanic students scored at the proficient level in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the "Nation's Report Card." These results serve as a serious call to action!

http://www2.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/updates/040513.html

[epicSocialism4tw]

Texas schools introducing Arabic is ludicrous.

Make them learn English like the rest of the country. ;)

You laugh, but if you want to get hired as a teacher in Texas, you pretty much need to be bilingual english/spanish.

[DenverBrit]

You laugh, but if you want to get hired as a teacher in Texas, you pretty much need to be bilingual english/spanish.

Texas needs to adopt English as its official language.......as do many others.

I wonder how much would be saved if the US officially adopted English instead of trying to be selectively bilingual?

[mosca]

Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, any language being learned will help. Not only are U.S. students way behind the curve on math and science, but on top of that, plenty of them don't know a damn thing in any other language. When I went to H.S. we were only required to take 2 years of foreign language and most kids forgot it soon after.

While other countries are requiring their kids to learn English for years on end and setting them up for success in the global economy, Americans are busy refusing to learn other languages.

[TheElusiveKyleOrton]

The way grants work are the local school district writes the proposal, explaining how fits in their teaching method and what they want to achieve. The Dept of Ed then funds the proposal if meets certain standards and criteria. Once the school district/school accept the money they have to follow the condition of the grant (like a contract). I wouldn't be surprised that all the "surprised parents", didn't read the local school message sent to them that this was going on.

I bet if you pull the string on this you find out that foreign language is mandatory and the school is just using Arabic because the Dept of Ed will fund the teachers, equipment and books for that language.

This. Foreign language is likely mandatory, and now Arabic is on the list of options for students.

Does your hatred for choice extend to our students and their opportunities as well?

[epicSocialism4tw]

Texas needs to adopt English as its official language.......as do many others.

I wonder how much would be saved if the US officially adopted English instead of trying to be selectively bilingual?

Alot.

There are tons of education dollars in Texas alone spent on specialized bilingual education for illegal immigrants. I cant speak for other states, but I know its true in Texas.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, any language being learned will help. Not only are U.S. students way behind the curve on math and science, but on top of that, plenty of them don't know a damn thing in any other language. When I went to H.S. we were only required to take 2 years of foreign language and most kids forgot it soon after.

While other countries are requiring their kids to learn English for years on end and setting them up for success in the global economy, Americans are busy refusing to learn other languages.

Our education system sucks because its a dadgum daycare center from PreK to 12. People arent there to learn anything. The kids that do learn things are generally social outcasts. Why is that? Because parents put more importance in things like athletics, and do not place importance in academics.

[TheElusiveKyleOrton]

Our education system sucks because its a dadgum daycare center from PreK to 12. People arent there to learn anything. The kids that do learn things are generally social outcasts. Why is that? Because parents put more importance in things like athletics, and do not place importance in academics.

Not actually true, but please, proceed.

Lemme guess: You just got finished watching Revenge of the Nerds.

[Pony Boy]

Our education system sucks because its a dadgum daycare center from PreK to 12. People arent there to learn anything. The kids that do learn things are generally social outcasts. Why is that? Because parents put more importance in things like athletics, and do not place importance in academics.

When the Steelers and the Packers arrived at Dallas they were told they would have to practice indoors at two of the local high schools. They thought that meant inside a gymnasium but they found out high schools in Dallas have indoor football practice facilities. There are some NFL teams that don’t have indoor practice facilities

[sirhcyennek81]

I took Spanish from 1st grade through 11th grade. It helped. I dont care if the school wants to offer a voluntary arabic language/culture program. Mandatory is a bit silly. Of all the kids who would learn it, how many would go on to use it on a regular basis? Especially in Texas, it seems more worthwhile to learn Spanish.

:Broncos:

[epicSocialism4tw]

When the Steelers and the Packers arrived at Dallas they were told they would have to practice indoors at two of the local high schools. They thought that meant inside a gymnasium but they found out high schools in Dallas have indoor football practice facilities. There are some NFL teams that don’t have indoor practice facilities

Oh yeah. High School football is the central focus of many of the states' schools. Especially out in west Texas.

[TheElusiveKyleOrton]

I took Spanish from 1st grade through 11th grade. It helped. I dont care if the school wants to offer a voluntary arabic language/culture program. Mandatory is a bit silly. Of all the kids who would learn it, how many would go on to use it on a regular basis? Especially in Texas, it seems more worthwhile to learn Spanish.

:Broncos:

I think a mandatory foreign language is a necessity in today's climate, but the student should have some options. And I think Arabic should be one of those options.

[TailgateNut]

Texas schools introducing Arabic is ludicrous.

Make them learn English like the rest of the country. ;)


beat me to it!^5

[TailgateNut]

Texas needs to adopt English as its official language.......as do many others.

I wonder how much would be saved if the US officially adopted English instead of trying to be selectively bilingual?


They might have to deal with illegal immigration first.

[NUB]

Shou fi ma fi!

Taleboo tedross Arabee? Qwayyis.

Whelp, maasalamma.

[BroncoLifer]

In a total non-surprise, the school district has already backed down from the "mandatory" aspect.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/02/07/mandatory-arabic-classes-coming-to-mansfield/

[Requiem]

FLAP = FLOP.

[El Guapo]

Texas schools introducing Arabic is ludicrous.

Make them learn English like the rest of the country. ;)

**** you. Is that enough English for you?

I'm a native Texan, but currently live in Virginia and on the radio this morning they were discussing how most schools in the area teach Arabic. A teacher called in and said that the govt asked the schools to do so as they are in desperate need for American citizens that speak the language.

[DenverBrit]

**** you. Is that enough English for you?

I'm a native Texan, but currently live in Virginia and on the radio this morning they were discussing how most schools in the area teach Arabic. A teacher called in and said that the govt asked the schools to do so as they are in desperate need for American citizens that speak the language.

Very Anglo-Saxon. Works for me. ;D

[DenverBrit]

They might have to deal with illegal immigration first.

That would mean paying minimum wage......and not just in Texas.

[TailgateNut]

**** you. Is that enough English for you?

I'm a native Texan, but currently live in Virginia and on the radio this morning they were discussing how most schools in the area teach Arabic. A teacher called in and said that the govt asked the schools to do so as they are in desperate need for American citizens that speak the language.


Gotta love the "location:VA (Heart in Texas)" but.

**** that! I've lived in both and I'd NEVER consider moving back to Texas (I don;t even want to visit that redneck ****hole), but Virginia, I'd consider, if I had to move.

[El Guapo]

Very Anglo-Saxon. Works for me. ;D

Apology accepted. :approve:

Gotta love the "location:VA (Heart in Texas)" but.

**** that! I've lived in both and I'd NEVER consider moving back to Texas (I don;t even want to visit that redneck ****hole), but Virginia, I'd consider, if I had to move.

Ha, thanks.

Well, Texas is an awfully big state. Guess you lived in one of the "not so great" parts and I'm sorry for your experience. I grew up on the border and then lived in Dallas for 5 years. If I had my choice to live somewhere it would probably be Austin. **** Texas University, but I like the city. :D

[TailgateNut]

Apology accepted. :approve:



Ha, thanks.

Well, Texas is an awfully big state. Guess you lived in one of the "not so great" parts and I'm sorry for your experience. I grew up on the border and then lived in Dallas for 5 years. If I had my choice to live somewhere it would probably be Austin. **** Texas University, but I like the city. :D

I lived in Austin and in Belton. Both had the same type of arrogant big headed Texassians. Can'r ****ing stand them. Wish we could just give the whole damn state to Mexico as some sort of punishment to both.

[El Guapo]

Hmm. Ok, well **** you too.

Go Broncos! :D

[epicSocialism4tw]

Apology accepted. :approve:



Ha, thanks.

Well, Texas is an awfully big state. Guess you lived in one of the "not so great" parts and I'm sorry for your experience. I grew up on the border and then lived in Dallas for 5 years. If I had my choice to live somewhere it would probably be Austin. **** Texas University, but I like the city. :D

West Texas kind of sucks. Especially the Midland/Odessa area. The Hill Country is awesome if you like the outdoors. Austin is awesome. Big Bend area is gorgeous. DFW has the trappings of city and suburban life. Houston has the same, but is closer to the ocean and Louisiana. San Antonio is nice and so is the surrounding area. East Texas is cool if you like Native American history. Then you have Galveston, Padre Island, Tyler, the Panhandle (yuck) with Amarillo and Lubbock...Texas is massive with alot of different kinds of places to live. Its a really cool state. Its really hot in the summer time though.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I lived in Austin and in Belton. Both had the same type of arrogant big headed Texassians. Can'r ****ing stand them. Wish we could just give the whole damn state to Mexico as some sort of punishment to both.

Don't be mad at us if you cant hang with Texans. Maybe the folks you met figured out really quickly that you're all hat and no cattle. Ha!