House eliminates second language requirement

By Jessica Bujol

Associated Press Writer

SALEM - High school students won't be required to take two years of foreign language classes before graduating under a bill approved by the Oregon House and sent to the governor for final review on Wednesday.

The proposal, SB65, was passed 35-23. It still would require students to achieve proficiency in a second language, but would allow local school districts to adopt their own guidelines for accomplishing that.

The two-year mandate for second language instruction stemmed from education reforms adopted in the early 1990s but has never taken effect.

The 1999 Legislature delayed the requirement from the 2002-03 school year to 2004-05.

"We have been unable to meet the rigorous standards we have set for ourselves," said Rep. Elaine Hopson, D-Tillamook.

Hopson, a former school superintendent, said the amount of time a child spends in class doesn't reflect whether or not they've mastered a language.

"Seat time doesn't always do it," she said.

Rep. Janet Carlson, R-Salem, a former French teacher, said she can't expect students to become proficient in a language in just two years when she spent seven years learning the language.

Some school officials had claimed they didn't have enough funds or teachers to instruct every student in a foreign language.

Opponents said that was simply an excuse.

Rep. Bill Witt, R-Portland, said the bill was a disservice to students.

"We are watering down our standards for high school students in Oregon," he said.