Immersion ... pros and cons?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child did not do immersion and is fine now. She spoke to a friend who did and they admitted that when they switched to a normal middle school, they had to do a lot of work catching up in terms of the english vocabulary everyone else had picked up naturally. I don't see there being a point, given that we live in an English speaking country and it will just put your kid behind later in life.

This is a very parochial and limited point of view.

Your last line is ludicrous. Immersion does the opposite of putting your kid “behind later in life.“

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS was in immersion until 3rd and then went to CES ( or HGC as it was called then). We didn’t see the immersion negatively affect his ability to read and write in English. In fact since his target language has a lot of Latin his vocabulary was sometimes wider than his English only peers because he could draw across languages. Now in a middle school magnet with a little outside tutoring he managed to keep his immersion language up at a reasonable level.

How did you decide whether to stay with immersion or do the CES? Thanks!

At the time we had to make the decision, we agonized over it. Academically there was no question. The school, even in the immersion language, wasn't equipped to provide the language arts enrichment DS required. We spoke to the coordinator and parents in the 4th and 5th grades. Our main concern was if DS didn't like HGC, it would have been hard to go back to immersion. They would probably fill the spot and DS would have to essentially start at another new school. Fortunately, he loved it and thrived in HGC. Keeping the language fresh with camps, tutoring, podcasts, etc, helped DS stay proficient and he tested back into the program for 6th grade. He chose to go the magnet route though when the acceptances came it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is mostly an opt out ghetto schools program, if you like your home school just pay for language classes and do the local school. Best of both worlds

What an obnoxious and meaningless response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't speak another language. I wish I did. Honestly, it serves no real purpose other than it is cool. My wife does speak a second language.

I have done work in Germany and Japan and did fine not speaking language.

I have a ton of staff over the years who spoke Spanish, Indian/Hindi type languages and Mandarin. would have been nice to speak it.


Most Presidents dont speak foreign languages. Other than the Pope who usually speaks multiple languages as does Mass and stuff in different countries what is purpose.

Imagine traveling around Mexico and being able to engage people in conversation. Imagine working with customers in French and Spanish speaking countries who want to be spoken to in their native language, and being the person in the office who can do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child did not do immersion and is fine now. She spoke to a friend who did and they admitted that when they switched to a normal middle school, they had to do a lot of work catching up in terms of the english vocabulary everyone else had picked up naturally. I don't see there being a point, given that we live in an English speaking country and it will just put your kid behind later in life.

This is a very parochial and limited point of view.

Your last line is ludicrous. Immersion does the opposite of putting your kid “behind later in life.“

I think this is the same poster who said earlier that the only point is that it's "cool." I'm guessing somebody is out for a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I speak 4 languages. My 2 kids are now going to/starting immersion at Oakland Terrace ES. I would not have it any other way. We have taken them abroad since they were infants and family travel will always have a component of foreign language to it.

Only partial immersions and no pathway to MS. Good luck with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I speak 4 languages. My 2 kids are now going to/starting immersion at Oakland Terrace ES. I would not have it any other way. We have taken them abroad since they were infants and family travel will always have a component of foreign language to it.

Only partial immersions and no pathway to MS. Good luck with that.

Oakland Terrace is two way immersion. Especially with your family support, I'm sure your children will be very successful in their language acquisition.

[Anonymous]

Pros -

1. This is a far better age to learn a language than starting in MS or HS.
2. MCPS elementary school education is pretty remedial and abysmal, at least with immersion your child will walk away with skills that they can't get from a weekend class or enrichment at home.


Cons

1. If you don't speak the language or plan to learn it then you will have a hard time understanding what they are doing.
2. It could be harder to diagnose learning disabilities (it shouldn't be but the immersion itself reduces the transparency of what they are doing). MCPS should be able to identity and flag learning disorders but they almost always do not because the staff is pressured to keep special ed numbers down. It really is up to the parents to notice, get outside testing and then push MCPS to provide the appropriate 504 or IEP.

[Anonymous]

another parent here with child in dual immersion. Really hoping for MS to develop a program by the time our 1st grader gets there !

We are in a parent-active, friendly community (Kensington.) I think we need to start lobbying the Board of Ed for a MS continuing immersion.

[Anonymous]

any insight on the partial chinese immersison instruction? I grew up going to weekend Chinese schools and have to say, it was pretty boring and rote year after year. hoping the immersion teachers are more creative?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:another parent here with child in dual immersion. Really hoping for MS to develop a program by the time our 1st grader gets there !

We are in a parent-active, friendly community (Kensington.) I think we need to start lobbying the Board of Ed for a MS continuing immersion.

It was my understanding from the OTES principal when this began that it would eventually continue at Newport Mill. Have you asked about that?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone gotten into the program in 2nd grade, when kids have to test? If yes, how was the test. Asking for French.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone gotten into the program in 2nd grade, when kids have to test? If yes, how was the test. Asking for French.

I have the same question, but for TWI program Spanish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone gotten into the program in 2nd grade, when kids have to test? If yes, how was the test. Asking for French.

I have the same question, but for TWI program Spanish.

This is a 4 year old thread. things may have changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is entering K next year. We really like our zoned school. We are intrigued by the immersion opportunities, though. Neither DH nor I speak a second language, and I think we both consider this to be a disadvantage.

I guess I have two questions for those of you with children who are/were in full immersion programs:

1) Do you think it's worth giving up being at school with neighborhood kids, and fostering those friendships, to do immersion?

2) Have you seen any negative impact on English-language skills from the full immersion program?

(I realize this is all predicated on getting a spot and that nothing is assured.)

Thanks for your time!

The year we applied to the MCPS Mandarin Immersion program, I believe there were over 700 applications for 1 Kindergarten class (26 spots?). My son wasn't accepted but statistically, we expected it.

You might want to look into private options like the French International School in Bethesda or the German International school. I believe it's near Potomac