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Susan Hintz and Steve Smarjesse - Guest columnists, MN Sun Newspapers
Published: June 14, 2006 

We love to share what we believe in, and we believe that an essential component of successful schools is the element of community. Community is a very broad and inclusive word.

One specific way Osseo Area Schools acknowledges the value of community is through our world language program. This particular program includes the local community as well as the global community.

Studying a language is not merely memorizing vocabulary and scripted conversations. Just as there are the familiar three Rs of basic education, there are the five Cs of language study: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities. Studying a language increases our students' perspective of the local community and of the world.

In addition to communicating in the language by speaking and writing, our students learn about the people who speak the language. Students are exposed to family, food, music, education, economics and governments of the native speakers. These aspects of culture lead students to make connections with things they are learning in other subjects like social studies, math, and art.

The connections move to a higher level of thinking when students make structural comparisons of language. They begin to notice that in English we often put an adjective before a noun, but in some other languages the noun is followed by the adjective. Research shows that studying a different language actually increases literacy skills in English.

Students also find it easy to compare American culture with cultures across the globe. By studying the customs of other people, students more clearly define American culture.

The knowledge gained by studying another language helps students become part of many communities. They form small learning communities within the school because they are studying a particular curriculum. Students who are learning Spanish and French are also able to communicate with their peers who are native or heritage speakers of those languages.

In observing the families of our district, we are well aware that the number of bilingual families continues to increase. Offering the opportunity to study another language reinforces the idea that we are a community that is conscious of our diversity. Finally, when students become aware of another language and the people who speak it, they become part of the global community of learners. They are able to communicate with people from other countries, and they begin to appreciate the contributions of people throughout the world.

Knowledge of a language in addition to English is considered essential in today's world. It is not only a recommendation for admission to colleges and universities, but the business community also values employees who can communicate effectively in more than one language.

Osseo Area Schools offers a strong world language program in Spanish, French, and German. Even though it is an elective course, 73 percent of our Class of 2006 has studied one of these languages. All of our students can begin language study in ninth grade and continue through 12th grade.

All qualifying students who enroll in the Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate at North View Junior High and Park Center are required to study a world language in seventh through 10th grades, and they may continue in 11th and 12th grades.

The world language program offers the opportunity for our students to become part of the global learning community. The high rate of student participation sends a strong message that we value the importance and significance of a diverse community.

Osseo Area Schools will continue to explore ways to maintain and strengthen world language studies. We want to give our students the very best opportunities for success in our local communities and in the global community.

Susan Hintz is the superintendent of Osseo Area School District 279. Steve Smarjesse is the District 279 World Languages Curriculum Specialist.

http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2006/06/15/opinion/os15hintz.txt