Broun Sees Lessons in Languages
Posted on: Thursday, 24 January 2008, 03:00 CST
Funding for foreign-language classes in elementary schools became a major point of discussion during U.S. Rep. Paul Broun's recent visit to Stevens Creek Elementary School.
The congressman, joined by members of his staff, toured the school Thursday and observed Jennifer Stafford's first-grade class during a 30-minute Spanish lesson.
State funding for the school's Spanish-instruction program was cut last year by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
"Our issue is funding," Stevens Creek Elementary Principal Michelle Paschal said. "Any possible influence he (Broun) could have would be wonderful. I just wish that somehow the dollars that we need could be found."
The class was taught entirely in Spanish and pupils learned how to add in Spanish with cards in the shape of fish.
Spanish also was incorporated into the lesson plan with songs and dances.
"It doesn't matter which language you choose to teach," Paschal said. "You just don't want to lose the opportunity to teach it at a young age."
Pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade learn Spanish during 30-minute blocks four days a week, Paschal said.
Stevens Creek is the only elementary school in Columbia County that has a foreign-language program in place.
"I'm excited about this program here," Broun said. "We live in a society that is global in nature, so having knowledge of a foreign language is extremely important for all students."
The future of the foreign-language program remains undetermined.
"If we do not secure funding from some source for next year, we won't have the program because the grant was completely cut," Paschal said.
After observing the Spanish-language class, Paschal, along with Columbia County Superintendent Charles Nagle, led the congressman on a brief tour of the school. The group visited the media center and cafeteria and roamed the main hallway.
Visiting Stevens Creek Elementary is just one stop on Broun's tour of schools.
He said he will be meeting with educators from throughout his district to discuss the No Child Left Behind federal legislation.
"I'd like to see No Child Left Behind go away, because it's been disastrous," Broun said. "We need to get the shackles off the teachers and allow them to teach."
Originally published by Jenna Martin Staff Writer.
(c) 2008 Augusta Chronicle, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The
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