TSC Japanese program discontinued

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The Tippecanoe School Corporation (TSC) is ending its Japanese language program at both high schools after this year because of budget concerns.

The district needs to cut almost $8 million. Students are saddened Japanese will now be a dead language in their school system.

"I think it's extremely unfair to the kids," said Harrison Japanese student Julia Spratt.

The district said because of "extremely minimal" enrollment there was no justification to offer the class. Students already signed up for Japanese were told to pick another language.

"We have other world languages that include Spanish, French, and German at Harrison," said TSC Assistant Superintendent Susan DeLong.

Japanese students said they have no interest in European languages.

"I should've taken Spanish. It was the easier class, but I've always had fun in this class and I wasn't sure I would have the same feeling in Spanish," said Harrison Japanese student Caleb Eddy.

"I think students should have the option to choose a language other than European languages," said Harrison Japanese student Karl Theller.

The issue for some students pursuing an academic honors diploma with distinction is they need three years of the same language to receive the degree.

"They want you to stick with three years in one for the top diploma and for Japanese I was hoping I could take three nice years of Japanese but they botched that up," said Harrison Japanese student Eric Theller.

"They have been brainstorming ways to have students take the third year of a foreign language, though it will be a different one. There will be a waiver and they'll get their credit for a diploma," explained DeLong.

Many students say they will continue to study the language outside of school.

"I'm looking to see if there is an option to do an independent study for a third year," said McCutcheon Japanese student Ryan Rumble.

"I've found the web site for Adventures in Japanese and I'm going to try to order the books and learn on my own," said Harrison Japanese student Julian Gourly.

Yet students say no book can replace interaction with a teacher.

The Japanese teacher, Michael Peterson, was not laid off. He was told he would be reassigned to another position but does not know his assignment yet.