Meetings set to discuss language immersion

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Parents of New Hanover County Schools students can meet with the superintendent this month to learn more about the Dual Immersion Program. The program creates more of an emphasis on learning Spanish as well as English in class.

Dr. Tim Markley said the program is currently in place at Forest Hills Elementary School and is gaining popularity. Markley said examples of similar programs at schools in the state show End-of-Grade testing results from students in these programs were 200% higher than those of students in traditional classes.

The meeting will be on November 12 and 18, first at Gregory Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. and Forest Hills Elementary School at 6 p.m.

Markley said studies show children enrolled in dual language immersion programs outperform peers on tests including the SAT and can earn up to 20% more in salaries as adults.