Why Not Teach Foreign Languages to Elementary Students?

In Leander, many parents are petitioning the school district on behalf of implementing foreign languages into their elementary school curriculum. Many parents are already foreseeing the possible benefits that come from teaching young children foreign languages before the ages that are required by Texas school systems. Parents are understanding the studies that prove young minds more easily absorb foreign languages than do those who study foreign languages later in life. It is mandated for all middle school and high school students to complete foreign language courses in order to graduate. The State provides proper funding and time for this to happen. However, the school board complains that for elementary aged children, the funding and time is not conducive to the parents' request for implementing foreign languages, unless the school district extends the hours of the school day. The elementary schools of Leander seem to be overly focused on the present (passing the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills), rather than looking at the education of children in the future and as a whole. What if we looked at the teaching of foreign language to elementary school children in terms of the "long run" and in terms of how they, as individuals, might better be able to contribute to society? Would this constitute readjusting our guidelines for elementary school education?
I, personally, believe that it is important to read articles associated with school districts and the decisions that they are contemplating because the education of our youth is the foundation for our future democracy and society. As those who have finished our journey through elementary, middle, and high school education, it is imperative that we contribute to the decisions concerning our future in terms of being involved in seeing to it that our youth will become properly educated and well-rounded individuals, willing and able to contribute to society in the most positive and helpful way.
I urge you to take a look at the following link.

Leander Weighs Teaching Foreign Languages to Elementary School Students.