Sixth International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education: Connecting Research and Practice Across Contexts

Paper/Best Practice Session (1 hour)

Not language specific, but La ola del lago is Spanish

One-Way Second/Foreign Language Immersion

Participants will learn all the programmatic logistics required to successfully launch a new immersion school from an initial concept to a reality where students and teachers are learning in the target language. This presentation will share the successful story of La ola del lago Spanish Immersion in Prior Lake, MN.

“Can’t you just translate what you need?”  If it were only that simple!  Starting a new language immersion program is a complex and multifaceted process.  Come and learn the stories of how La ola del lago Spanish Immersion & El Bosque Encantado Preschool (both in Prior Lake, MN) strategically planned, pointedly communicated with stakeholder groups, overcame unique immersion nuances, and successfully launched thriving and growing schools.  Participants will learn strategies such as how to build a coalition of community stakeholders; the importance of networking with other immersion schools; how to recruit, hire and sustain top quality native speaking teachers - including licensure and visas; implement best practices in immersion instructional strategies; create a strong immersion community to ensure the most qualified teachers are able to be in the classroom; gain district buy-in for professional development, assessment, and curriculum; how to work with all stakeholders to promote, communicate, and share our schools’ stories; welcome and support guest teachers and/or interns; set a unique vision which supports immersion students’ systems of support - both intervention and advancement; and create a target-language only environment which promotes multiculturalism.  Come hear how a group of committed stakeholders developed a language immersion school from a concept to a thriving and viable organization.  This presentation will cover the entire process how public and private organizations partnered together to create language immersion educational opportunities to over 500 students and families.  Moreover, both La ola del lago & El Bosque Encantado have brought a keen awareness to multilingualism and celebrating diversity to the surrounding communities.