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Research shows the cognitive benefits of learning a second language in early childhood indicating that it increases critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility in thought (neuroplasticity).
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Bilingual students tend to outscore their monolingual peers in verbal and math testing, and they tend to maintain focused attention better than other students.
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A second language gives students broader career and life opportunities as adults, and they will always have the ability to travel and connect with the world as global citizens.
Why Spanish Immersion?
RECOMMENDED READING AND RESOURCES ON IMMERSION EDUCATION
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American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
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Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA)
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New York Times, The Superior Social Skills of Bilinguals (March 2016)
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RAND Corporation study of Portland Public Schools Mandarin immersion programs, Portland Immersion Students Become Better Readers, English Speakers (November 2015)
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New York Times, Dual-Language Programs Are on the Rise, Even for Native English Speakers (October 2015)
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Washington Post, Parents Want Elementary Pupils to Learn Foreign Languages -- But Where? (October 2014)
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Education Week, What Research Tells Us About Immersion (September 2012)
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Wall Street Journal, More Area Schools Embrace Chinese-Immersion Method (August 2012)
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Asia Society, Chinese Language Learning in the Early Grades: A Handbook of Resources and Best Practices for Mandarin Immersion (2012)
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Collier & Thomas, 2004: The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education for All