EDITORIAL: Implement FLAC but improve language depts.

FLAC is a good idea but administrators need to revamp the foreign language programs. FLAC will provide valuable opportunities to students who want to enhance their language skills if they don't have the opportunity to go abroad. And it will benefit students who are returning from abroad, enabling them to continue using the foreign language they learned while away. But this program will not work if administrators don't redesign the language requirement at Penn -- especially the placement tests and the curriculum of 130 and 140 level language classes. Under the current language proficiency program, students who have completed 140 would probably not be ready for the advanced language classes that FLAC would offer. Prior language aptitude or study abroad experience would be necessary for those kinds of classes. Even students who have tested out of the language requirement through an advanced placement test may not have the skills needed for FLAC classes. The curricula of 130 and 140 level classes are insufficient for language proficiency. Students typically review grammar and simply memorize vocabulary for next week's test. That kind of curriculum does not necessarily improve language skills and definitely does not increase interest in the language or its corresponding culture. The curriulum should be revised in order to promote study in foreign languages. The actual placement tests also need to be revised. If students who have had several years of high school language classes repeatedly test into first- or second-semester language classes then the exam may not be adequately testing a student's language skills. FLAC will provide several opportunities for students who want to further hone their language skills, and hopefully the University can find the funding to support this initiative. But if administrators want FLAC to be successful, they must improve language departments as well.