Braddock District Candidate Responses to Fairfax FLAGS
Below are responses provided by School Board candidate, Megan McLaughlin. We have not received a response from candidate Nell Hurley.
1. Do you support the School Board’s student achievement goal 1.2 – all students should graduate with the ability to communicate in at least two languages? Why or why not?
McLaughlin: I fully support this achievement goal. In this global economy, it is essential that FCPS students develop foreign language skills. As a parent, I have been pleased with the foreign language instruction provided in our schools.
2. Do you believe that starting world language instruction in elementary school classrooms with teacher-based programs such as Immersion and FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools) is the best way to develop the higher levels of language proficiency needed to accomplish the above goal? Why or why not?
McLaughlin: Research demonstrates that early exposure to foreign languages will enhance student proficiency. As such, I support foreign language instruction in FCPS’ elementary schools.
3. Do you consider second or multiple language skills to be an important aspect of 21st century skills for today’s students to successfully compete in the future? Why or why not?
McLaughlin: Foreign language skills are essential for FCPS students to compete for jobs and/or college opportunities. Therefore, FCPS need to ensure strong curriculum offerings with respect to foreign languages.
4. Our elementary foreign language programs (Immersion and FLES) currently serve nearly 20,000* elementary students at 44 schools. Given that FCPS will continue to face budget challenges, do you consider it a priority to keep these programs intact for children currently benefitting from them at existing schools?
McLaughlin: If elected, I will advocate for budget priorities that focus on the classroom first, including foreign language programs that are beneficial to FCPS’ students.
5. The FLES program was originally scheduled to be implemented over a seven- year period, however, expansion beyond the existing 32 schools was put on hold due to the recession and budget constraints. Would you support continued expansion of the FLES program in the future to bring foreign language instruction to all FCPS elementary students? Why or why not?
McLaughlin: There needs to be equity in instructional services among our schools. If elected, I look forward to visiting FLES programs in our schools, learning more about their effectiveness, and advocating for foreign language offerings for all students.
* Exact student enrollment numbers for FLES and immersion for the current 2011-2012 school year were not yet available from the FCPS World Language office at this time, however, should be available soon.
