Connecticut House Bill HB05195

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/17
• Refer: 1/5/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Foreign Languages Instruction To Young Students By Certain Instructors.

Impact

If passed, HB05195 would significantly impact the provision of foreign language education within the state’s education system. By permitting non-certified individuals to teach foreign languages, the bill could alleviate staffing challenges that schools face, especially in less commonly taught languages. Additionally, it may encourage more local initiatives to incorporate foreign language instruction in early education settings, potentially enhancing student engagement and linguistic diversity within classrooms.

Summary

House Bill 05195 aims to amend section 10-16b of the general statutes to allow local and regional boards of education to provide foreign language instruction to preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school students. One of the key aspects of this bill is the intention to broaden access to foreign language education by enabling school districts to utilize instructors who are proficient in a foreign language but do not hold professional teaching certification. This move aligns with growing educational trends emphasizing early language acquisition among young learners.

Contention

However, the bill may face notable contention regarding the qualifications and effectiveness of instructors who lack formal certification. Critics of the bill might argue that allowing non-certified instructors to teach could compromise the quality of education, as certified teachers often possess not only language proficiency but also pedagogical training essential for effective instruction. This concern raises a debate over the balance between increasing access to language instruction and maintaining educational standards for young students.