District 28's elementary school students will begin Spanish instruction in first grade starting in 2012-2013, as the District looks to provide the benefits of world language instruction to all students at an earlier age.

The School Board recently approved the recommendation to extend the elementary school student day by 40 minutes and to start Spanish instruction in first grade. Students currently begin Spanish instruction in fifth grade.

The School Board's approval of this recommendation follows months of intensive research and examination by the Commission on the Study of Learning Time, a dedicated group of teachers, parents, administrators, and Board
members.

After the Commission members concluded their work, Superintendent Larry Hewitt compiled a review of the topics studied and provided additional relevant information. The report discusses the benefits of world language study and the history of this topic in our District, as well as the considerations made in developing the option to extend the day and add world language.

Please see the links below to read the document, "Time for World Language? Northbrook School District 28 Report on World Language and Learning Time," prepared for the Board of Education by Superintendent Larry Hewitt. The report was originally published on February 16, 2012, and was updated to include additional information on March 9, 2012.

The report includes Appendices A–H. Please click on the heading for each grouping of appendices to download these documents. The bullets below each heading are a description of the information found in these appendices.

"Time for World Language" Report – Updated March 9, 2012

Appendices A and B

• Partnership for 21st Century Skills – Framework for 21st Century Learning
• District 28 ACE (Advisory Committee on Education) Foreign Language Study – Report of Recommendations

Appendices C and D

• World Language Curriculum Mapping Task Force Process 2010-2012
• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language – Benefits of World Language Study

Appendices E through G

• Study – Learning Time in Area Districts
• Commission on the Study of Learning Time (COTSOLT) Parent Letters
• COTSOLT Staff Letters
• COTSOLT Parent Survey Questions
• COTSOLT Staff Survey Questions
• 2011 World Language Survey Results – Community/Staff/GBN Students

Appendix H

• COTSOLT Survey Results
  • Parent Survey
  • Staff Survey