Critics to young children learning a second language state that it would take away school time devoted to "more important" areas of study such as mathematics. However, Caccavale points to extensive research from the Webb Bibliography that proves this notion incorrect. In the study students who had time taken away from mathematics to study a second language outperformed students in mathematics when compared to students who did not study a language and had all the time devoted to mathematics. Many parents and teachers who are opposed to children learning a second language often make the claim without a factual base and merely assume that there would be no time for their children to study one. Another scholar, Ken Stewart, says that every piece of research points to the fact that it is beneficial for students to learn a second language as early as three years old. Clearly, the understanding of a secondary language at an early age helps develop a child in many areas.
Knowledge of a second language can help improve foreign relations. Stacie Berdan is an author and expert on international careers. In her article "Obama's Right: More American's Should Learn a Second Language" she states that learning a second language has gone from being "nice to have" to "need to have." She points out that the country is far behind its neighboring countries when it comes to knowledge of another language. On top of that, Mexico and Central and South American countries are growing more economically important. She states that if more Americans knew Spanish it would help us work together and improve economically. People who have the opportunity to learn another language should be eager to do so in order to secure the country's future. For instance, if a person knows Spanish fluently he could possibly secure a job trading with Spanish speaking countries such as Chile or Peru.
