Mandarin Immersion:
What It Is, Why It's Important, Benefits, and Parent Commitments & Responsibilities

What is Immersion?

Immersion is a unique educational experience with the goal of developing bi-literacy, bilingualism, and bi-cultural attitudes in elementary students.  It is an educational model that provides academic instruction in English and a “target language” such as Mandarin Chinese.  The goals of dual language programs are for students to develop high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both program languages, to demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, and to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of diverse cultures. Simultaneous translation is never used.

Why is learning Mandarin Chinese important?

  • Mandarin is spoken by approx. 1 billion people.  It is considered an important “world language” by the US Departments of States and Defense.
  • China is a country of growing global importance, with rapidly increasing trade, manufacturing and cultural links to the rest of the world.
  • Learning Mandarin will prepare our children to be versatile and competitive in the future global workforce.

Benefits of a Mandarin Immersion Program

Enhances a child’s mental development and intellectual growth
Achieve proficiency in both English and Mandarin Chinese literacy and communication
Increases understanding and acceptance of different cultures
Improves overall school performance and problem-solving skills
Gains access to more career choices and opportunities
Encourages becoming a global citizen

Children’s brains are naturally programmed to learn any language they are sufficiently exposed to perfectly and without accents. This ability declines with age, disappearing by high school, according to research.

Parent Commitment

For students to be successful in the MIP program, there will need to be a partnership between the school and family.  

Students should remain in the program at least through fifth grade in order to gain the full benefit of the program. Parents need to make this long-term commitment and are expected to be active participants in their child’s education at school and home.

  • Parents agree to provide transportation for their child to and from school daily and to arrive on time.
  • Parents agree to a six-year minimum commitment to the
    Two-Way Language Immersion program.
  • Parents agree to support fundraising activities and direct donations to the program.

Parent Responsibilities

It is every parent’s responsibility to...
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  • be involved in their child’s education; - volunteer and be involved in our program and school;
  • ask questions when answers are needed; 
  • raise issues with teachers and other appropriate individuals when problems or questions first arise; 
  • become educated in the model of immersion education so that sound decisions for the program can be made; and
  • support their children fully in the acquisition of both program languages.

More About CUSD Language Immersion Programs

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CUSD Language Immersion Handbook
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Foreign Language Framework for California Public Schools
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World Language Content Standards for California Public Schools