Over 5,000 students take the exploratory courses each year, and the program regularly meets its objectives. At the middle and high school level, students determine a single language to study, choosing Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Latin, or Russian. The program aims to introduce the interrelatedness of languages, foster an appreciation of world cultures, teach a few expressions in other languages, and give an understanding of different forms of communication. A new language is introduced every week and a half. In addition to discussing hieroglyphics, Braille, and signed languages, teachers introduce Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Hindi, Swahili, and Arabic.
Teachers emphasize that all languages can be interesting and fun to learn.
Because the modules are short and flexible, interdisciplinary units can be created or coordinated with other curricula. Complete guide to exploratory foreign language programs, including descriptions of successful programs. Elementary foreign language programs. An administrator's handbook. Special middle school edition.