Critics fear dropping Tennessee’s foreign language requirement could hurt learning overall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Board of Education is considering a proposal to drop foreign language requirements for graduation.

High school students are currently required to complete two years of foreign language classes in order to be eligible for graduation.

Proponents of the proposal argue that students could instead benefit more from focus on subjects like math or science.

But critics pushed back heavily at Thursday’s TDOE meeting.

They argue that if the foreign language requirement is eliminated, it would impact student performance across all subject areas.

Emma Hatcher, a student at ETSU, told TDOE Thursday that…

“The proposal to eliminate that requirement is not just misguided. It’s an absolute mistake.”

Hatcher was among other advocates speaking out at Thursday’s Department of Education meeting during public comment.

TDOE is considering a proposed rule change that would drop the foreign language requirement for high school graduation.

” It has an impact on student success across all other subject areas.”

This was first proposed in the May 30th board meeting by Chairman Robert Eby. He says its not useful for all students.

“State board rules provide for students to request a waiver of the world language requirement. But why should students have to request a waiver of this requirement if their ultimate path for their post-secondary success does not include utilization of a foreign language?”

However, advocates for world language as a requirement say this is a mistake.

“We are also concerned that students just are not prepared when they graduate from high school for the wider world out there. The world of work, the world of of higher education, anything that they choose to pursue in their future.”

Students like Hatcher shared their experiences with taking a language.

“I didn’t want to take a language, I didn’t think it mattered, but because it was required, I did, and everything in my life changed. That single class led me to scholarships that cover my entire college career.”

Other advocates think more clarification on how parents can request a waiver for their child to opt out of foreign language is a better option.

“I think it would be unwise to completely do away with the foreign language requirement. So I think you’re going to see a lot of discussion, but just make sure that the waiver is clearly defined.”

If the proposal goes through, students could see a change by next fall.

We reached out to Hamilton County Schools to see how this would affect them. They tell us…

“We are closely monitoring the State Board of Education’s proposal to remove world languages as a graduation requirement. As we follow the state’s decision-making process, we remain committed to preparing students for college access and careers in a globally connected world. If the change is approved, it would not take effect until the 2026-27 school year.”