For years, business and government leaders and education planners have argued for fortifying foreign-language training in public schools, both as a tool in a global economy and as a skill in a diverse society.

But a bill on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk would allow districts to water down the one provision California now has regarding second-language and art education.

Currently, in addition to courses in English, social studies, math, science and physical education, the state requires students to take one year of either foreign language or fine arts to graduate from high school. AB 2446 by Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-South Los Angeles County, would give students the choice to take a vocational-education class instead.

The governor has until the end of today to either sign it or veto the bill, and he hasn't indicated which way he'll