The study of a foreign language is both basic and practical in one's high school education. It helps one to communicate with people from other lands, affords a better understanding of today's complex, internationally interdependent world, and reinforces the development of verbal skills in English.

Learning a second language can be an enriching, exciting experience. The feeling of accomplishment and pride derived from actual communication in another language affords students a new and unique opportunity for personal growth. Through slides, videos, computer programs, discussions, skits, and conversation students assimilate a part of the culture studied. This gives students an opportunity to observe and compare that culture with their own

Throughout the five-year sequence, students are exposed to the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition to acquiring conversational fluency and studying daily life in foreign cultures, students are also exposed to basic geography, history, and modern and classical literature as well as music associated with each language. Although some writing is done in each level, the emphasis for written communication is found in levels three, four, and five.

Foreign languages are becoming more important in an increasingly interdependent world. Colleges and universities are beginning to reinstate language requirements, and the federal and state governments have addressed the problem of the nation's embarrassing lack of foreign language proficiency. Many businesses are looking for graduates qualified in various technical, social service, and business fields who also speak a second language. It is therefore suggested that students interested in the fields of business, international studies, journalism, math, medicine, science, and social studies seriously consider language study as a part of their high school education.

Any student wishing to pursue the possibility of study of Russian or Asian languages through the Milwaukee Interdistrict Exchange Program should contact a school counselor.

Native speaking and immersion school students must be tested prior to placement.

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