Now We're Talking

Dr. Debbi Burdick

Now we’re talking

A Spanish immersion program in Cave Creek Unified that began in one elementary school in 2003, today has evolved into a K – 12 World Language Program.

Dr. Debbi Burdick, superintendent, said the Governing Board in 2006 had a vision that languages other than English would be taught in all Cave Creek schools. During the difficult economic times in 2010, the board chose to budget for a full K – 12 program.

The impetus for change addressed four C’s: Cognitive, Careers, Culture and College.

Today, Spanish, Spanish immersion and Chinese are offered at the elementary, middle- and high-school levels, and French is offered at the district’s middle- and high-schools. The district leadership believes the World Language Program prepares students for true 21^st Century skills.

Dr. Jana Miller, associate superintendent, said teachers are key to the success of the concept. She also noted that the district saw an initial dip in test scored, but after four years, already high test scores are still going up.

Drs. Burdick and Miller stressed that the teaching is not a matter of translating from English to the other languages; instead, students are learning through activities and problem solving. Students may still do worksheets at their desk at times, but usually it is being done as a group. 

ASPRA Reporter Judi Willis, APR, Public Relations Consultant