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Language Immersion

 

Language immersion is an educational approach in which students are taught the curriculum content through a second language. Students receive math, science, or social studies instruction in a target language, such as Spanish. Because of the teaching strategies used, students are able to develop literacy skills in both English and the target world language while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level. In addition, students will develop a world cultural sensitivity.

Language immersion is a wonderful vehicle to prepare our students academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.

Elementary Spanish Immersion

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the United States, and according to a recent Bloomberg report, the fourth most important international business language after English.

Delaware professionals such as those in medicine, international trade, pharmaceuticals, the oil and gas industry, power industry, luxury good and other transportation technologies encompass extensive Spanish-speaking networks locally and around the world. Students who learn Spanish perform better on standardized test since more than 50% of modern-day English words trace their origins to Spanish. This means that students learning Spanish as a new language have a relatively quick learning curve which can boost their confidence in learning a new language.

What does a day in Elementary Spanish Immersion look like?

The kindergarten day is divided into halves. Half of the day spent in the english classroom, half in the spanish classroom: 

Subjects taught in the English Classroom:

  • Language Arts
  • Social Studies
  • Bridging Lessons

Subjects taught in the Immersion Classroom:

  • Math
  • Spanish Literacy
  • Science

Have questions about our  Immersion program?

Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School
4050 Wrangle Hill Rd, Bear, DE 19701
Phone: (302) 832-6330
Lindsay.DiEmidio@colonial.k12.de.us

   Chinese Immersion High School Pathway

9th Grade

AP Chinese Language and Culture
In order to take AP Chinese Language and Culture, students must score at least a Composite Score of 4 on the 8th grade STAMP Test which is taken in February of their 8th grade year.

The following is recommended for students who do not meet the 4.0 composite criteria:

  • 3.5 - 4.0 Chinese IV
  • 3.0 - 3.5 Chinese III

10th, 11th & 12th Grade

Delaware Bridge Program with the University of Delaware

In order to be accepted into the Bridge Program, students must: 

  1. Pass the AP Chinese Language and Culture Course 
  2. Score a 4 or 5 on the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam or score a 3 on the exam and have maintained a B average in the AP Chinese Language and Culture course with a recommendation from the AP Instructor. 

If a student does not score a 3 on the exam, the student may be considered for entry upon demonstrating evidence of advanced-low proficiency as credentialed by a nationally recognized assessment of world language proficiency. 

Students who score a 2 on the AP exam may take the Bridge Program courses for high school credit only.  

A student who completes three Bridge courses successfully, will graduate from high school with at least 9 upper division college credits that count towards a major or minor in Chinese. Depending on the student’s AP exam score, this total could be as high as 15 college credits.    

CHIN350 - Business Chinese (3 credits) (3 College Credits + 1 AP Credit at WPHS)
CHIN350 aims to prepare students for effective communication in casual and formal business settings in Chinese society. Incorporates discussion of Chinese business culture and etiquette in order to promote socially appropriate language use.

CHIN355 - Special Topics (3 credits) (3 College Credits + 1 AP Credit at WPHS)
Explores an area of special interest in Chinese literature or culture studies. See  http://primus.nss.udel.edu/CoursesSearch/ for topics.

CHIN452 - Advanced Reading in Chinese Culture (3 credits) (3 College Credits + 1 AP Credit at WPHS)

This course aims to improve students’ reading and writing proficiency through rigorously reading and responding to essays related to cultural issues facing  Chinese intellectuals. Students will develop their abstract reasoning skills as well  as their ability to narrate and describe. The selected essays will provide an intensive look at some of the most important social and cultural issues in modern  and contemporary China. The course will be conducted in Mandarin Chinese.