Updated presentation of reasons for retaining our German program in St Louis Park MN!

1. Why keep German in SLP?
2007
2012 Frau Fox

2. German language
• Circa 100 million people in 40 countries
worldwide speak German as their native tongue.
• Most commonly spoken language in
Europe and East Europe! (World Fact Book)
• 2nd most popular business language worldwide.
(DAAD)
• On the Internet, German is the second most
commonly used website content language.
(W3Techs.com, 2012)
2012 Frau Fox

3. Science and Business
• German is an important language in
business, science and technology.
• #2 in scientific research.
• 68% of Japanese students learn German!
• Germany is the world leader in bio-
technology and renewable resource
technology. (DAAD, GOETHE Institute)
– 2 main technology focuses in Minnesota!
2012 Frau Fox

4. Career Applications
• Germany is the 4th largest economy in the world
after the U.S. and Japan. (World Bank)
• Germany is 3rd largest foreign-based employer in
U.S.
– 570,000 jobs in the US, 50% of which were
manufacturing jobs (DIHK, 2011)
– 9,000 jobs created in MN alone in 2010-2011!
– Over 100 companies in MN are based in or have
direct affiliates in Germany. (MTO)
2012 Frau Fox

5. Career Applications
• Germany is the fourth largest foreign
investor in MN (MTO and DIHT, 2011)
• Over 40 MN companies have direct
subsidiaries in Germany (MTO)
• Circa 100 German firms have subsidiaries
or affiliates in MN (MTO)
2012 Frau Fox

6. Career Applications
• One of the U.S.’s and MN’s top 5 export destinations.
(US Dept of Commerce, BDI and MTO 2012)
• Europe is Minnesota’s third largest export region for
manufactured goods (Minnesota Trade Office, 2012)
• German is the most commonly spoken language in
Europe (24%, Eurobarometer, 2007)
• Largest economy in Europe, Europe is 2nd largest
regional economy in the world.
2012 Frau Fox

7. Study Options in Germany
• Germany has world renowned university
programs in many subject areas
• German universities offer recognized
international degrees for a fraction of the cost of
US colleges
• German universities cater to international
students from the US
• Studying in Germany: a viable college option
(and actual plan) for SLP students!
2012 Frau Fox

8. Program Strength
• Overall growth of nearly 50% since 2006
– despite scheduling issues and lack of entry
point at Senior High
• Junior High average enrollment has
doubled overall since 2003
• High retention rates in upper levels
• Students who pick German stick with
it!
2012 Frau Fox

9. Real World Connections
• Best practice: real-world connections are
important!
• SH Instructor has extensive contacts in
Germany
• Translates into:
– trips to Germany,
– visiting teens from Germany,
– constant contact w/ latest in music, literature, culture
• Many SLP students go on to live or study
in a German-speaking country.
2012 Frau Fox

10. Connections/Heritage
• 1 Million in USA speak German at home
• Nearly 25% of U.S. and SLP residents are of
German heritage!
• Many students: relatives and/or friends in
German-speaking countries.
• Parent / student surveys reveal high percentage
of students with direct connections to Germany
(family, career)
2012 Frau Fox

11. More Success
• Students more successful if learning
language of their interest
• “Cultural distance” affects success.
• Real-world connections and cultural
backgrounds similar to those of the target
language/culture insure greater ease and
success. (Zhang, 2006)
2012 Frau Fox

12. Resources
• Many resources in the Twin Cities / MN!
• The Germanic American Institute
– celebrates German holidays and festivals
(German Club)
• Ridgedale library
– German books
• German restaurants, food at Cub/ALDI/Byerlys
• German television stations
(DW-TV on local cable or satellite)
• Podcasts, radio stations, content on the Internet
• German-based companies
– learn about career opportunities
2012 Frau Fox

13. Ästhetics!
• Rich culture and history
• It is famous for its philosophers,
musicians, writers and artists.
• Imagine enjoying all that in the original
German language!
2012 Frau Fox

14. AND...
Because the kids LOVE it!
2012 Frau Fox