Graduation Date
12-2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Education
Department or Program Chair
Elizabeth Truesdell PhD
First Reader
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
The addition of foreign language study to high school core curriculum benefits learners, society and overlap into the success of other areas of study and critical thinking. The problem in contemporary high school curriculum is that foreign language is disappearing. High school students and educators are failing to see the benefit of foreign language and its benefit to all subjects. The purpose of this study is to identify student perceptions of the importance of foreign language study in high school. The literature review documents the disappearance of foreign language study as part of a high school curriculum. Methodology includes conversations with high school students in third year and advanced placement literature in Spanish. Information from students was collected through the use of focus group discussions. Results indicated that these high performing students all plan to pursue Spanish and additional foreign language study in higher education and future professions. While this minority group of students anticipates a multilingual future, they are aware of an ignorant majority of students that fail to recognize the seriousness, utility and opportunities through mastering Spanish fluency. Having foreign language as a part of the core curriculum needs to be examined. Language instruction can help enrich student high school experience and prepare them for a diverse world and international workforce.