| Question |
Answer |
What is immersion?
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Immersion is a means of teaching students a second language. Students learn content through the second language. Immersion schools are responsible for all outcomes
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| How does immersion work? |
Immersion means that subject content is presented to children in a natural way. They learn the second language in much the same way they acquired their first language. Below are the websites of national organizations that provide detailed explanations of immersion, as well as research on immersion.
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What is International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP)?
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IBPYP is an approach to teaching through integrated units. With guidance from the International Baccalaureate Organization, ISLA has developed and implemented these units of inquiry to allow students to study a variety of topics in-depth. For a more detailed explanation of IBPYP, go to www.ibo.org. |
| What curriculum is being used? |
Everyday Math is the series used for Math instruction. FOSS science kits will provide a hands-on exploratory science program. Harcourt reading will be used in grades 2-6 and the Estrellitas and Scholastic program will be used to teach reading in K-1.
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| What kinds of standardized tests are conducted at ISLA? |
ISLA will partake in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments as all Minnesota schools do. In addition, ISLA assesses all students starting in second grade through the Measures for Academic Progress (MAP) by NWEA. A computerized assessment allows teachers to know where children are in terms of their academic development. These brief exams are given routinely in grades 2-6, thus allowing for differentiation to take place in the classroom. This means teachers will better understand the needs of individual students and will work to meet their individual needs. We also assess regularly in Spanish.
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| Are Special Education services offered? |
As a public school, ISLA will serve all children who enroll at the school. We currently have a special education teacher on staff and contract with a special education personnel on an as-needed basis, in compliance with Minnesota law.
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| Will Gifted and Talented Services be offered? |
Teachers differentiate the curriculum to accommodate the needs of all students. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program is enriching and challenging. It provides a high quality education for children.
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| Where is the school be located? |
ISLA is located at 5959 Shady Oak Road, in Minnetonka.
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Who can attend ISLA?
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As a public school, any elementary aged child living in Minnesota may enroll at ISLA.
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What is the school calendar?
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ISLA will follow the calendar of the Hopkins School District. |
| What about transportation? |
Residents of the Hopkins school district will receive transportation to ISLA.
Families of students residing outside the Hopkins district boundaries will provide their own transportation to ISLA, or to the nearest bus stop in the Hopkins district.
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Is there be before and after school care?
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We offer before and after school care called Compaņeros by Mis Amigos. They also offer
care for kindergartners while not in class. This service will be provided as long as the demand supports a teacher.
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Will there be all-day kindergarten?
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All-day kindergarten will be offered starting in the 2008-2009 school year. All-day kindergarten is a fee-based program with funding provided by parents and the state of Minnesota. |
| What is the class size? |
Each class is capped at 25 students. While individual classes may be smaller than that, they will not be larger. |
| What are the hours of operation? |
We have been given a bell time of 8:58 am -3:30 pm by the Hopkins transportation department. Half-day kindergarten classes will be offered at 12:55-3:30 pm . |