JACKSON TWP — More than half the population of Europe can speak more than one language, but only 10 percent of Americans can do the same, which is why it’s important to teach children global languages at a young age.

That was the message from Heather Hendry, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, who spoke Monday night to the Seneca Valley School Board.

Superintendent Tracy Vitale has long made it a priority to increase the district’s offerings in foreign languages.

That’s why the district expanded its language program to middle school students in grades 5 and 6 before last school year and why Vitale hopes to expand foreign language classes to students in grades kindergarten to fourth grade.

Hendry spoke to the board about just how important it is for students at a young age to be exposed to another language.

She said the optimal age for children to learn another language is 4 to 8, a time when their brain is rapidly changing and adjusting to new concepts.

That’s not to mention that immersion in other languages at a young age is directly related to better test scores and academic performance by those children throughout their schooling.

The benefits, Hendry said, speak for themselves. America is increasingly playing a bigger role in a global economy where English isn’t always the dominant language. Too many Americans are striving to thrive in that global economy without even the most basic tools needed for communication, she said.

Vitale called it a “very important priority” of hers to expand language offerings to students.

Assistant Superintendent Matt McKinley agreed and said it’s enormously helpful to have professionals like Hendry to lean on in terms of implementing a program for young children.

“We have access to some brilliant people,” he said. “We truly found a gem.”

Vitale’s goal is to eventually expand the foreign language offerings to all students starting in kindergarten, although there isn’t a timetable for when that might happen.