1. Proposal for Language Immersion Program at Phelan School Whittier City School District Board of Education Meeting January 23, 2012

2. What is a Language Immersion Program? Language Immersion programs integrate language minority students (English learners) and language majority students (English speakers) in order to develop their bilingualism and biliteracy in English and another language. Language Immersion programs promote bilingualism and biliteracy, grade level academic achievement, and positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors in all students.

3. Benefits of Bilingualism and Biliteracy Students who are bilingual and biliterate: Tend to outperform their non-bilingual and non-biliterate peers academically Are better prepared for the new global economy Have a competitive advantage Develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity

4. Proposal for Phelan Language Immersion Program Begin a language immersion program at Phelan School One kindergarten and one first grade German Immersion class to begin in Fall 2012

5. Timeline February – Parent information meeting for Phelan, District families and out-of district families Registration begins March – Interview and hire teachers Form Ad Hoc Steering Committee and Booster Club

6. Timeline April – Establish calendar Ad Hoc Steering Committee reviews curriculum Booster Club starts to procure funding May – Phelan Open House

7. Timeline June and July – Ad Hoc Committee and Booster Club continue to work on plans August – Pre-kinder classes and German classes for incoming language immersion kinder and first grade students September – Classes begin