¡Increíble! Don't cut foreign language tests

I am disappointed in the State Board of Regents' termination of the French, Italian and Spanish exams, effective June 2012 ["Cutback in Regents tests," News, May 17]. Considering the global society in which we reside, it is quite difficult to fathom how the Regents concluded that eliminating this exam would not be detrimental to the students of New York State. We now more than ever need to highlight the importance of learning other languages.

Instead, the individuals entrusted to make education in our state better chose to obliterate these exams, which were deemed to be essential for decades. These individuals are devaluing a subject area that benefits students greatly and in numerous ways.

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages reports that foreign language learning increases critical thinking skills, creativity and the flexibility of minds in young children. Students who are learning a foreign language outscore their peers in the verbal and math sections of standardized tests. Perhaps the Regents should examine how to implement the exams in a more cost-effective way, rather than send the message that learning a second language is inconsequential.

Clearly, the Regents' solution to the state's budget crisis is to provide our students fewer tools for success in this global economy.

Emma Lederer, Melville

Editor's note: The writer is a former foreign languages teacher.