In spring 2016, all Horace Mann parents received an optional survey to assess interest in an exploratory foreign language program.
A total of 71 people responded. A summary of responses is published here. The responses will inform priorities as we move forward to identify partners, recruit volunteers, and develop curriculum.
Thank you to all the Horace Mann parents who took the time to share their thoughts and opinions!
Question 1
The goal of a foreign language exploratory program is exposure to a different culture and language. Because exploratory programs meet only one or two times per week, fluency in the new language is not an expected outcome. Instead, the benefits are found in long-term attitudinal changes. Research suggests that children who participate in an exploratory foreign language program in elementary school are more open to other cultures, more likely to choose to study a foreign language later in life, more likely to persist in their foreign language studies, and experience improved pronunciation. How interested are you in having a foreign language exploratory program at Mann?
Question 2
This program would be volunteer run, drawing from resources in our community and at the university. What languages would you be interested in seeing offered? Click all that apply.
Question 3
We would likely offer the program once or twice a week, for about 45 minutes, before or after school. Which of the following days/times would be possible for your child to participate? Choose all that apply.