North Andover World Language Program Targeted

NAPS is decimating its World Languages program. Five teachers were dismissed from one academic department at North Andover High School. Budgetary shortfalls require creative solutions and incremental change across multiple departments, even slight reductions in administrative salaries. Slash and burn tactics never produce long-term benefits in any institution.

Without a strong middle school program student achievement will fall. Shuffling middle school teachers to the high school is abrupt and requires acquiring distinctly new skills and professional alliances. There are salient differences between teaching introductory middle school courses and high school honors and Advanced Placement.

The undervaluing of World Language in general will lead bright and motivated NAPS employees to other very fortunate districts. Key teachers and school leaders are currently reevaluating their professional futures in light of flagrant disassemblage of an entire department.

Given national teacher shortages, the world is their oyster.

• North Andover currently ranks #3 of 12 amongst our comparable schools in 12th grade enrollment and passing % of WL AP scores.

• North Andover ranks #2 of 12 in total tests taken.

• North Andover ranks #2 of 12 in total students graduating with WL AP credit.

Hundreds of former NAHS students have submitted pages of appreciative accolades for the lasting influence and positive effects of our WL program, a jewel that took decades to grow.

You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Email ALL MEMBERS from https://www.northandoverpublicschools.com/school-committee.

Chris Carroll
Retired WL Teacher
Former WL Department Coordinator