The Importance of Advocating for Languages

In today’s educational climate, with so much attention focused on the core subjects, it is important for RIFLA to advocate for foreign language programs throughout the state.  We are seeing a significant decline of program offerings across the state and at all levels.  RIFLA has convened an advocacy team to raise the awareness of these program cuts and to publicize the importance of 2nd language learning.   

RIFLA’s Action Plan

RIFLA’s advocacy team recently composed a letter in support of language learning; it was sent to all RI school superintendents and local newspapers.  We are thrilled to report that we have already received responses to the letter.  To date, the letter has appeared in The Westerly Sun; this prompted the state representative for Westerly, Peter Lewiss, to request a meeting with RIFLA representatives so that he might become more informed on the issue.  The Newport News published the advocacy letter as well.  In addition, we have also been contacted by David Raiche, West Warwick’s superintendent. 

The RIFLA board is hopeful that our advocacy efforts will raise awareness of the importance and value of our language programs, but we can’t do it alone.  We need the support of parents, teachers, politicians, business people, and other language organizations to really make our voice heard and keep our programs alive.  See the tips below to learn how you can support the cause.

Why are these programs so important?  

• Benefits of Being Bilingual
• What the research shows
• Understanding Language Study
• Globalization
• Careers in Foreign Language   

Ways You Can Help Save and Promote Language Programs  

Parents

• Request that your district offer foreign language programs at  the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Attend school committee meetings to question cuts when foreign language programs are in jeopardy.
• Write to your districts’ superintendent and school committee to demonstrate your support.
• Encourage your child to continue language study beyond the beginning levels.
• Encourage your child to use his/her language ability outside of school through travel or speaking to native speakers in the community.  

Teachers

• Alert RIFLA to cuts in language programs in your district.
• Rally parent support when administrators eliminate programs.
• Submit letters to the editor to inform the community of the importance of second language learning.
  
• Encourage students to continue with their language study by making them aware of the careers in foreign language.   

Politicians

• Champion legislation that supports education, particularly  foreign language instruction.
  
• Support funding for foreign language.
  
• Become informed about the benefits for learning a second language and the fragility of the language programs in Rhode Island.  

Business People

• Make the RI Department of Education aware of your need for  a workforce that is proficient in more than one language.
  
• Request that local and state politicians support second language education and funding.

Language Organizations (i.e. AATSP, AATG, AATF, AATI)

• Write letters to the local newspapers informing the community of the importance of second language learning.
• Rally your membership.
• Call your local and state representatives to make your voice heard.