ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a rationale that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming should expand the curricular focus to include second language study with a range of language options including German, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. The use of second languages among high-performing STEM professionals, built from an educational base that provides for adequate second language study, will increase student opportunities for critical reasoning and skillsets to open an even wider range of opportunities in STEM fields. In order to infuse second language study into STEM subjects, the teachers of STEM, foreign languages, and gifted and talented must work together as a team to differentiate for talented learners and collaborate as coteachers. An integrated plan to study STEM and world languages must include early exposure to second language study. Second language learning provides a natural connection for advanced learners, as it carries high interest.
