It is hoped that other schools and districts interested in implementing a new program or enhancing an existing one will find it useful to read about some of the specific features that make this a model program. Richmond Elementary School in Portland, Oregon The Japanese language magnet program in Portland, Oregon, is so popular that it always has a waiting list. Only two new kindergarten classes of 25 students each are launched each year in this partial immersion program, so selection is by lottery. The Japanese language program at Richmond Elementary follows a partial-immersion model, with the students' day divided in half by language. One Japanese teacher and one English teacher share responsibility for each grade level.
All Japanese teachers are native speakers of the language.
The full range of elementary subjects is taught, from mathematics and science to geography and history. The program follows state curriculum guidelines for all subjects and national standards for foreign language learning. As she writes on the board at the front of the room, Grover speaks slowly and clearly, and the children sitting around her on the carpet gradually learn to recognize the shape and sound of the day's letter. Grover helps them associate the letter with words they know, especially names of animals, leading to a song that features those animals, complete with hand gestures and sound effects. This is how students at Richmond elementary are introduced to the Japanese hiragana writing system, learning to read and write their names and a few simple words as they become acquainted with the forms of this new alphabet.