Should Foreign Language Classes be Mandatory in High School

by Jessica Yu

If you have finished or are currently in high school, chances

are, you’ve probably taken some type of foreign language class.

More and more high schools are incorporating foreign languages

into their curriculum, making it mandatory for students to learn a

new language before they graduate. Being able to communicate

in another language is a very useful tool that opens a door to new

opportunities. However, learning new languages is not everyone's

cup of tea. For students who struggle to wrap their head around a

new language or do not express any interest at all in learning it,

is it really fair for school systems to require them to take these

classes?

Some may argue no, that foreign language classes should

not be required. Making foreign language classes mandatory

takes away opportunities for students to choose other classes

that they may be interested in. A student may have to sacrifice

an arts or music class in order to take a language class that they

do not want to take. If they’re not interested in the language,

they won’t be able to learn it thoroughly, and therefore won’t be

able to utilize it outside of the classroom. Students who have

trouble grasping a new language may have additional stress

trying to force themselves to understand it, as well as the core

classes that they need to focus on as well.



On the other end of the spectrum, some argue that foreign

classes are extremely beneficial, and that they should be

mandatory. Many students who were not previously interested in

learning another language have changed their attitudes after

taking classes, and find them useful. Their perspective is that if

you never try, you’ll never know! Coming out of high school with

a background in a language other than English is very appealing

to colleges and employers as well.

What are your opinions on high school foreign language

classes? Should they be required, or should students have the

choice of choosing whether they want to take it or not?