Is Your Latin Program in Crisis?

Due to problems in the housing market and the recent increases in fuel and grocery prices, many school districts are facing budget cuts and that can sometimes mean cutting programs. All too often, the courses put on the chopping block include art, physical education, music -- and foreign languages.

The Committee for the Promotion of Latin, sponsored by the Classical Association of the Middle West and South, has put together an online Programs in Crisis Kit. For teachers whose programs are facing imminent closure, directions for a letter-writing campaign as well as links to downloadable materials and brochures are provided.

Of course, it's always important to be constantly vigilant in ensuring that Latin and the Classics are valued in your school district. The Committee for the Promotion of Latin and the National Committee for Latin and Greek have lots of resources to help you remind parents, school boards and administrations about the benefits of studying the Classics, including:

• Important facts about the benefits of studying Latin, Greek and the Classics
  
• A bank of links to newspaper and magazine articles featuring Latin
• Downloadable brochures and posters that you can print out and distribute
• Addresses and links to helpful websites and teacher and university placement services