Americans Want More Language Classes. Can Schools Keep Up?
Researchers and educators see strong demand for world language classes in U.S. schools, though federal policy changes may further complicate schools’ ability to offer such courses.
A new Pew Research Center survey of more than 3,500 Americans conducted this spring found that 4 in 10 Americans say it is extremely or very important for children growing up in the United States to learn a language other than English. More than half of Americans (53%) think it is highly important for U.S. schools to offer Spanish classes.
The survey examined the relationship between Americans’ views of the United States’ global standing and their views on the importance of children learning a language other than English and of schools offering specific languages, said Maria Smerkovich, a research associate at the Pew Research Center.
