Reading Room

Quotes

“My wife and I are extremely pleased with how both of our daughters have benefited from immersion education. Not only have they mastered another language (Spanish), but they also have developed an appreciation for other cultures that is beyond their years. Some parents worry that children in language immersion programs may fall behind in their English skills. We found just the opposite to be true. Both girls scored very well on their standardized statewide tests -- as did the vast majority of their classmates. Perhaps most importantly, we have found teachers and administrators at our daughters' school (Park Spanish Immersion) to be incredibly hard-working and caring individuals. We couldn't be happier with the education our children are receiving.”

“Spanish Immersion is a wonderful, magical program…I’m amazed at how much Spanish students learn by March, even the kindergarteners.”

“Research ties the learning of a second language to greater academic achievement in other areas. There is also brain research which ties the learning of a second language to heightened brain development, if it is learned in the early years…Our students will need to compete and participate in a global market where the speaking of another language and the understanding of another culture are becoming more and more of a necessity.”

“Immersion is the most effective foreign language learning method in the United States, bar none."

“Our nation can only grow stronger if all our children grow up learning two languages. The early school years are the best and easiest time for children to learn language…I can assure you that when they enter the workforce in several years we will regret the inability of our children to speak two languages. Our global economy demands it; our children deserve it.”

“Language immersion provides an enriched educational experience without traveling abroad and without considerable expense to the school system or families involved.”

“Some people are surprised to learn that a former public school superintendent supports charter schools. Not only do I support them—I chartered them in Houston…I believe—as our president does—that if you give people the freedom and flexibility to succeed, and hold them accountable for results, they will rise to the challenge.”