The benefits of learning a foreign language should speak for themselves. Yet many people view languages as a luxury subject and too often school districts are cutting language classes due to budgetary restraints. If language programs are on the chopping block in your school system, it’s time to sell your district on languages.

1. How to “Sell” Your
School District on
Foreign Language Programs
Image by comedynose on Flickr.com

2. The benefits of learning a
foreign language should
speak for themselves.

3. The benefits of learning a
foreign language should
speak for themselves.
Pun totally intended.

4. Unfortunately, we find
ourselves defending language
programs in our schools.

5. If language programs are
on the chopping block in
your school system, it’s
time to sell your district
on languages.
Image by ultimateslug on Flickr.com

6. Languages are not a
“luxury subject”.
Here are a few reasons why...

7. Language skills boost students’
career prospects.

8. In 2013, CNN deemed
bilingualism the
“hottest job skill.”
Source: CNN Money
Image by Robert Shele on Flickr.com

9. Source: CNN Money
The Department of Labor
estimates a 42% increase in jobs
for translators and interpreters
between 2010 and 2020.

10. Source: CNN Money
The Department of Labor
estimates a 42% increase in jobs
for translators and interpreters
between 2010 and 2020.
And this doesn’t include jobs in other
sectors, like international businesses and
federal government opportunities.

11. Language skills can lead to new
job opportunities and to
increased compensation.

12. According to salary.com,
employers may pay between 5-
20% more than the base rate to
hires with language skills.
Source: AOL
Image by Tax Credits on Flickr.com

13. Learning a foreign language
makes students more marketable,
opens the door for higher pay,
and prepares them to join the
global workforce.

14. Language skills also boost the
nation’s economic prospects.

15. About that global workforce...

16. In order to compete globally, the
U.S. needs a globally prepared
workforce.

17. In order to compete globally, the
U.S. needs a globally prepared
workforce.
Hint: This includes linguistic
competency!

18. Consider, for example, STEM
fields: science, technology,
engineering, and math.
Image by jay pound on Flickr.com

19. “Multilingual communication is
intrinsic to today’s scientific
collaboration and progress.”
- Dr. Bill Rivers, Executive Director, JNCL-NCLI
Source: Transparent Language

20. To continue making advances in
science and technology, American
researchers must not be limited to
using only data in English or
working only with their English-
speaking peers.
Source: Transparent Language

21. To continue making advances in
science and technology, American
researchers must not be limited to
using only data in English or
working only with their English-
speaking peers.
Source: Transparent Language
We want to work with the most
advanced research and the most
talented individuals, regardless of
language.

22. America’s $15-billion, high-tech
STEM industry depends on
languages to reach foreign
markets worth $1.5 trillion.
Source: Transparent Language

23. To further our economic
interests abroad, the U.S. needs
doctors, scientists, developers,
writers, business executives, and
beyond who can speak strategic
languages.

24. Language skills are critical to
national security and political
interests.

25. Speaking of strategic languages...

26. The U.S. also needs diplomats,
military officials, foreign policy
experts, and beyond who can
communicate with their
counterparts around the world.
Image by Nicolas Raymond on Flickr.com

27. Source: Washington Post
More than one quarter of the State
Department’s “language-designated
positions” could not be filled with
fully qualified personnel in 2012.

28. Source: Washington Post
More than one quarter of the State
Department’s “language-designated
positions” could not be filled with
fully qualified personnel in 2012.
They are particularly lacking in Near East,
South Asian, and East Asian language skills.

29. Source: Washington Post
Similarly, only 28% of language
designated positions in the
Department of Defense were filled
with personnel who met the
proficiency level requirements.

30. Source: Washington Post
“There is a limited availability of
qualified speakers of vital foreign
languages who are U.S. citizens and
have the English skills to support
our requirements.”
- Tracey North, FBI Deputy Assistant Director

31. America’s language deficit limits
the nation’s ability to coordinate
with countries on trade,
development, disaster relief,
global security, and beyond.

32. Learning a language prepares
students to be global citizens.

33. It’s not just about national
preparedness, though. It’s about
each individual student.

34. Teachers teach far more than math,
history, or languages. In school,
students learn about values: being
respectful, working hard, asking
for help, sharing with others, etc.

35. While language study is an
important part of any curriculum,
it’s also a means of learning the
skills necessary to succeed in the
increasingly globalized world.

36. Language study exposes students to
another culture, sparking
curiosity, empathy, and
understanding.

37. Language study exposes students to
another culture, sparking
curiosity, empathy, and
understanding.
These qualities prepare students to
interact with people of all ethnicities
and backgrounds.

38. This cultural sensitivity will
benefit students no matter which
field they choose to enter later in
life, from health care to human
resources to foreign policy making.

39. Learning a language improves
students’ skills in other
subjects.

40. Learning a language does more than
shape culturally competent
students. The benefits spill over
into more tangible skillsets and
subject areas.

41. Research shows that bilingualism
improves the brain’s “executive
function”—the system we use for
problem solving, planning, focusing,
multi-tasking, etc.
Source: New York Times

42. Studies also indicate a relationship
between language study and basic
skills development, including
listening and reading.
Source: NCSSFL

43. It makes sense, then, that
there is a correlation
between years of language
study and SAT scores.
Source: NCSSFL
Image by rvoegtli on Flickr.com

44. Source: NCSSFL
And not just on the verbal section! On average,
students with four years of foreign language
study outscored other students by more than
100 points on the verbal and math sections.
Image by rvoegtli on Flickr.com
It makes sense, then, that
there is a correlation
between years of language
study and SAT scores.

45. “Being bilingual, it turns out, makes
you smarter. It can have a profound
effect on your brain, improving
cognitive skills not related to
language and even shielding against
dementia in old age.”
- Yudhijit Bhattacharjee
Source: New York Times

46. With that many benefits, in the
classroom and beyond, why are
foreign language programs
failing to make the cut?

47. School budgets are tight, but
education is an investment in our
children’s future.

48. School budgets are tight, but
education is an investment in our
children’s future.
And our nation’s future.

49. Instead of cutting programs, schools
must consider alternative solutions,
particularly the use of technology.

50. For example, East Kingston Elementary
School can offer students 5 languages
without the costs of hiring 5 full-time
instructors.
Case Study: East Kingston Elementary School

51. How? Using a combination of
Transparent Language’s self-guided
online courses and live virtual
instruction services.
Case Study: East Kingston Elementary School

52. There is no replacement for a live
instructor, but our online technology
and virtual instructors bring dozens of
languages to thousands of K-12 and
higher education institutions across
the country.

53. So, how can you “sell” your school
district on foreign language
programs?

54. If the many benefits listed here don’t
sell themselves, petition your
school district, write to your local
representatives, and take a stand.

55. But when all else fails, offer them an
alternative solution they can’t
refuse.

56. Want to learn more about
Transparent Language’s solutions
for language education?
www.transparent.com/education