Children enrolled in immersion programs work toward full proficiency and usually reach a higher level of competence than those in other language programs. FLES programs are more common than immersion programs. A second language is presented as a distinct subject usually taught three to five times per week. Depending on the frequency of the classes and the opportunity for practice, children in these programs may attain substantial proficiency in the language studied. FLEX programs introduce students to other cultures and to language as a general concept.
Time is spent exploring one or more languages or learning about language itself.
The emphasis is not on attaining proficiency, and parents should not expect children tobecome fluent. Most schools that offer foreign languages provide only introductory exposure, and fewer than one in five secondary schools offers advanced placement courses in foreign languages. At all levels, conversation classes are rare. Where We Need to Go The benefits of studying language are clear. Because students learn by doing, active use of the language in meaningful situations is essential in achieving language competency.