Abstract

The ability to speak more than one language is one of the most useful skills a person can

have, and it is becoming increasingly important with an ever more interconnected world.

Speaking more than one language can provide many different job opportunities worldwide, and

improve overall mental ability. Language education programs are the path to people having this

skill and in the United States these programs are severely lacking compared to other countries.

The main issues with United States language education system derives from the lack of

governmental requirements and regulations on students. More specifically controlling student

enrollment in language courses and progress being tracked along with fixing the late start many

students have to deal with compared to countries abroad. The solution to many of these issues is

further government intervention with state and national requirements for students to enroll in

language courses at a much earlier age along with standardized exams to track individual and

group progress. If the United States wants to produce citizens that are capable of being

internationally competitive workers they must invest into language education reform.