DARIEN, Conn. Darien schools are looking to give students an early introduction to a foreign language next year by adding Spanish instruction to the elementary school curriculum.
The idea of teaching foreign languages in the elementary schools has been proposed several times in the past. Last year, Darien parents overwhelmingly supported the idea and came out to a public hearing on the school district's budget to show their approval. However, the program didn't make the cut.
This month, the Board of Education approved a new proposal that would have every student from kindergarten through fifth grade taking 45 minutes of Spanish every week. The cost of the program is estimated to be about $320,000 to hire Spanish teachers at each of Dariens five elementary schools.
The board considered the program last year because research suggests learning a foreign language at an early age can help with a childs development. Superintendent Stephen Falcone also said the program would allow students to gain an appreciation for other cultures.
We want to provide students with a critical opportunity, he said.
School board member Amy Bell was the only one who voted against the proposal. She said she wanted to hear the other proposals the administration would have for next years budget before settling on this proposal.
The Board of Education will begin its budget process in January. Bell cited a possible deficit as high as $250,000, as well as other uncertainties about school finances. She worried that by approving the Spanish proposal before the budget process, the board was creating an expectation that it might not be able to fulfill, she said.
She also expressed doubts about whether only 45 minutes of instruction per week was enough for the students and did not want to see library time decreased as a result of the Spanish instruction.
Member Clara Sartori said she supported the proposal because it is a beginning and will allow schools to slowly incorporate Spanish instruction to the curriculum.
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