Petition from Parents Regarding Eastern Armenian Language Instruction and Textbooks

Recent signers:
Lianna Shakhnazarian and 19 others have signed recently.

The issue

  To the School Administration and Board,

 

We, the undersigned parents and families, respectfully submit this petition out of deep care for the quality of Armenian language education being provided to our children.

 

We are grateful for the continued effort to preserve and teach the Armenian language, culture, and heritage to the next generation. However, we believe it is necessary to address several serious concerns regarding the current Eastern Armenian instructional materials and language standards being used.

 

Our Concerns

  1.    Outdated Textbooks and Materials
Many of the current Eastern Armenian textbooks appear outdated and no longer reflect modern language usage, educational standards, or the linguistic realities of today’s students.

  2.    Incorrect or Inconsistent Grammar and Content
We have identified numerous examples of grammatical inaccuracies, unclear explanations, inconsistent spelling, and content that may confuse students rather than support proper language development.

  3.    Need for Modernized Instruction
Students deserve high-quality, accurate, age-appropriate materials that align with current educational practices and support fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Eastern Armenian.

  4.    Consideration of Modern Armenian Orthography
We respectfully ask the Board to strongly consider transitioning Eastern Armenian language instruction to the reformed orthography currently used in the Republic of Armenia, as it is the official and widely used standard for contemporary Eastern Armenian today. Aligning with this system would better connect students with modern Armenian literature, media, institutions, and communication worldwide.

 

Our Request

 

We, the parents, humbly request that the Administration and Board:

 · Conduct a formal review of all current Eastern Armenian textbooks and instructional materials.

 · Replace outdated books with accurate, modern, professionally developed resources.

 · Consult qualified linguists, educators, and curriculum specialists in Eastern Armenian.

 · Consider adopting the modern orthography used in the Republic of Armenia.

 · Maintain open communication with parents regarding any review or transition process.

 

Closing Statement

 

Our intention is not criticism for its own sake, but support for excellence in Armenian education. We want our children to learn Armenian with pride, confidence, and accuracy, using materials that prepare them for meaningful connection with Armenian communities throughout the world.

 

We thank you for your time, attention, and thoughtful consideration of these concerns.

 

 Respectfully submitted,
 Concerned Parents and Families

 

135

Recent signers:
Lianna Shakhnazarian and 19 others have signed recently.

The issue

  To the School Administration and Board,

 

We, the undersigned parents and families, respectfully submit this petition out of deep care for the quality of Armenian language education being provided to our children.

 

We are grateful for the continued effort to preserve and teach the Armenian language, culture, and heritage to the next generation. However, we believe it is necessary to address several serious concerns regarding the current Eastern Armenian instructional materials and language standards being used.

 

Our Concerns

  1.    Outdated Textbooks and Materials
Many of the current Eastern Armenian textbooks appear outdated and no longer reflect modern language usage, educational standards, or the linguistic realities of today’s students.

  2.    Incorrect or Inconsistent Grammar and Content
We have identified numerous examples of grammatical inaccuracies, unclear explanations, inconsistent spelling, and content that may confuse students rather than support proper language development.

  3.    Need for Modernized Instruction
Students deserve high-quality, accurate, age-appropriate materials that align with current educational practices and support fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Eastern Armenian.

  4.    Consideration of Modern Armenian Orthography
We respectfully ask the Board to strongly consider transitioning Eastern Armenian language instruction to the reformed orthography currently used in the Republic of Armenia, as it is the official and widely used standard for contemporary Eastern Armenian today. Aligning with this system would better connect students with modern Armenian literature, media, institutions, and communication worldwide.

 

Our Request

 

We, the parents, humbly request that the Administration and Board:

 · Conduct a formal review of all current Eastern Armenian textbooks and instructional materials.

 · Replace outdated books with accurate, modern, professionally developed resources.

 · Consult qualified linguists, educators, and curriculum specialists in Eastern Armenian.

 · Consider adopting the modern orthography used in the Republic of Armenia.

 · Maintain open communication with parents regarding any review or transition process.

 

Closing Statement

 

Our intention is not criticism for its own sake, but support for excellence in Armenian education. We want our children to learn Armenian with pride, confidence, and accuracy, using materials that prepare them for meaningful connection with Armenian communities throughout the world.

 

We thank you for your time, attention, and thoughtful consideration of these concerns.

 

 Respectfully submitted,
 Concerned Parents and Families

 

The Decision Makers

Merdinian School Administration and Board
Merdinian School Administration and Board
C&E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School

Petition Updates