Spanish Language Immersion

Spanish Language Immersion is an educational model in which children learn to think, read, write, and speak in two languages. The benefits of Spanish Language programs include:

• Students acquire the ability to use both languages in oral and written form, eventually reaching native like proficiency in both languages. The bilingual brain is a flexible and resilient one!
• Students close achievement gaps by the late elementary years, with bilingual students consistently outperforming monolingual students in reading by high school.
• As part of their educational journey, students develop an appreciation for and deep understanding of diverse cultures. Differences are seen as opportunities to connect rather than obstacles to overcome.
• Proficiency in a second language and strong intercultural competency skills open up future employment possibilities in the global arena.

• Spanish is the partner language for the program at Midway Elementary.
• Enrollment priority will be given to students whose native language is not English.
• Our District will use an 80:20 model for language instruction; in kindergarten and 1st grade, 80% of instruction is in Spanish and 20% in English.
• Each school year, more instruction in English is added until a 50:50 model is reached by fourth grade.

• Commit to K-5 participation in the program.
• Develop an understanding of language immersion education.
• Partner with your child's teacher each year to understand and support your child's unique learning needs.
• Read to your child (in English) 20-30 minutes per day.
• Encourage the use of Spanish outside of school.
• Celebrate your child's hard work!