Few would argue the country is becoming more multilingual.
Not coincidentally, so are Lubbock public schools.
Texas graduation requirements include two years of a foreign language. Taking more than that as electives, though, is never a bad idea, say administrators.
“The younger they start the language, the more proficient they become,” said Laura Cook, a world language instructional coach for Lubbock Independent School District.
Darina Brackeen agrees, and chose to enroll her two children in Spanish courses in elementary school. The Lubbock ISD mom believes from personal experience in early language learning. A native speaker of Bulgarian, she’s studied other languages since she was in third grade.
“I believe that the earlier one begins learning a foreign language, the easier and quicker he or she can become fluent in that language,” she said.
Brackeen plans to keep her son and daughter in Spanish classes throughout their Lubbock ISD careers, and teach them more Bulgarian at home. When they’re in college and select their own classes, she hopes foreign language will be a big part of their schedules.
“I am 100 percent convinced that the command of more than one language can positively affect one’s life,” she said. “… Learn………….