"I feel that my students are prepared as well or better than students with on-site instructors. Past students who have taken college Spanish have told me that they felt they had a satisfactory basic understanding of the language. Because we are part of a large program we are forced to stay on task. There isn't an opportunity to waste valuable class time."

Joanne Buie
Paris H.S., MO

Student Characteristics
A distance education course is not the typical classroom experience. To ensure a successful learning experience, students enrolled in the SVS High School Spanish course should be chosen carefully.

Spanish I student characteristics
There are no course prerequisites for students enrolling in SVS Spanish I, however, a number of characteristics can help you identify those students who would best adapt to the new environment of a distance learning classroom. We’ve found our best students:

	have a record of cooperation within a classroom setting.
	are recommended by other teachers, who attest to the student’s ability to be self-motivated.
	have a genuine interest in learning a foreign language.
	have an above-average academic record in core subject areas.

Spanish II student characteristics
Spanish II students must have successfully completed a Spanish I course and should demonstrate the same characteristics for Spanish I students.

Class Size Limitations
Due to the unique delivery of the course and the demands placed on the Teaching Partner, we suggest an enrollment limit of 15 students* per class section. Schools are encouraged to enroll students who have demonstrated the greatest chance for success, based upon the student characteristics listed.

Field research indicates that a class size of 15 or less creates an environment that nurtures a “learning team” approach. Larger classes tend to create a dichotomized, adversarial environment. Comments from Teaching Partners overwhelmingly support this policy.

Phone Lessons & Toll-free Telephone Support
SVS staff will conduct regulary scheduled phone lessons for all SVS class sections. It is mandatory to have a speaker phone available in the classroom. These lessons will have specific objectives agreed upon in advance, will reinforce difficult concepts, and provide essential communication practice.

Teaching Partners and students are also encouraged to call the ECC anytime, toll-free, to receive help from the SVS support staff. SVS assistants are available each weekday to provide help in both English and Spanish. They can answer questions relating to almost all aspects of the program, including Spanish language, lesson plans, course management, and any special situations which may arise.