Rep. Mayfield works to continue local dual language immersion program

Posted by: Hannah Carlock  | Friday, July 8, 2016 9:00 am

STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2016) – State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) in a letter to the Indiana Department of Education encouraged the continuation of Martinsville school’s inclusion into the Dual Language Immersion Pilot Program.

“Poston Road Elementary was the first school in the state to launch a Dual Language Pilot Program,” Mayfield said. “The school has hosted tours to numerous other school districts throughout the state that are looking at developing a similar program.”

Mayfield said based on its success, Poston Road Elementary wanted to continue offering the Dual Language Program to its students. “It was recently announced an additional $56,000 in grant money was awarded to the school, allowing them to continue this innovative educational opportunity in the next school year,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield championed the law creating a dual language program in the state. Under Mayfield’s provision, school corporations seeking grants to establish or expand dual language immersion programs must provide 50 percent of the lessons in English and 50 percent in a second language like Mandarin, Spanish, French or other languages approved by the Indiana Department of Education.

In addition to Poston Road Elementary School, seven other schools in the state received funding to establish or continue a dual language program.

“Superintendent Michele Moore and Principal Jill Vlcan are to be commended for their commitment to our children’s education and this thriving program,” Mayfield said. “Young students are not only learning a new language, they are also reinforcing other skills like creativity, memory and listening. The students at a quality school such as Poston Road Elementary are fortunate to be mastering another language.”

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Rep. Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents portions of Morgan and Monroe counties and is the Asst. Majority Floor Leader. She serves as a member of Ways and Means and Insurance committees.

A high-resolution photo of Mayfield can be downloaded by clicking here