| Despite the fact that foreign languages are mentioned as one of the core subjects in the No Child Left Behind Act, they are neglected throughout the educational system. This neglect is leaving a large void in the preparation of children in the United States to effectively participate and succeed in the contemporary global economy. Although many high school programs offer foreign languages in specialized International Programs and as electives or requirements for a two year period, this is too late a time in a child's life to begin learning a second or foreign language. This thesis will discuss why the educational system in the United States excludes foreign languages from the core curriculum; what impact that exclusion will have on the next generation of Americans; where the United States stands next to other industrialized nations with respect to foreign language curriculum in the educational system; the benefits of Second Language acquisition; and how foreign languages can be incorporated into the core curriculum in the United States. |
