Magnet School of Excellence 2010 & 2011
Magnet School of Distinction 2009
Indiana Top Gainer School Award
2011, 2009, 2008
Adequate Yearly Progress
2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2006

"It is only through a second language that one learns the first language well."
-Goethe

The Spanish Immersion program at Theodore Potter provides a total language experience in a multicultural setting for students to become proficient in two languages – English and Spanish – by the time they complete kindergarten through grade six. The program offers students an opportunity to understand how diverse our world is through their exposure to a partial immersion program. Approximately 50% of instruction is provided in English and 50% in the targeted language, Spanish. Through the Spanish immersion program, students are expected to come to appreciate other languages and cultures.

Learning a second language can improve and allow the students to continuously connect and compare other languages and cultures. Research shows that children are often able to acquire a foreign language much easier and faster if they begin their course of study at an early age. A great benefit of an elementary language immersion program is that students emerge able to communicate in more than one language. An asset of being bilingual is that children will have a head start in an ever changing society and workplace environment. It will also have positive effects on their intellectual growth, mental development, and appreciation for cultures other than their own. Greater flexibility in their thinking, greater sensitivity, and improved listening skills are all positive benefits expected for participants in this program. At all grade levels, the Spanish Immersion teacher instructs math, science, Spanish language arts, and the cultural curriculum. The English partner teacher instructs English language arts, reading, social studies, and the cultural curriculum.

SPANISH IMMERSION FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

Spanish Immersion can be appropriate for all students regardless of language background. Our students come from many backgrounds. Some are fluent in a language other than Spanish or English, while others are native speakers of either English or Spanish. Research indicates that Spanish Immersion is an excellent match for any of these students. Spanish Immersion celebrates bilingualism in all aspects of life and validates cultural and linguistic diversity.