English a subject of concern: poll

Article title: English a subject of concern: poll
Source: Mainichi Weelkly(online)
Downloadedfrom:http://weekly.mainichi.co.jp/2007/05/gunman_kills_32_at_virginia_yr.html
on Thursday, May 10.

Most parents support controversial English language programs at elementary schools, but they are concerned about teachers' ability to teach English, a survey found.
The research, conducted in 2006 by Benesse Corp, publisher of educational materials, also found that about half of elementary school teachers are against making English a compulsory subject, citing a lack of resources needed to provide an appropriate level of English instruction.
Even so, parents expressed strong interest in English education, with the subject emerging as the most common answer when parents were asked which subject they would most like to have added to classes.
A total of 4,718 parents with children at 31 schools that have already introduced English language programs and 3,503 teachers from public elementary schools throughout Japan took part in the survey. (By Ogawa Akiko, Mainichi Weekly)

I agree with English teaching program in elementary.Because English is the language now widely spoken in the world, But we have to think seriously why we need to teach English since elementary school,and how we can teach English to the students.