Arlington, VA, Nov. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It’s no secret that learning a second language, building on communication skills and absorbing other cultures are important components of success today. In order to best prepare its students to compete in a global world, Missouri’s Nixa Public Schools (NPS) is implementing a new world language program for all students grades 2-6 this fall. The school district has brought on renowned language learning provider Rosetta Stone (NYSE: RST) for this initiative after successfully completing a pilot program this past spring and summer that showed positive engagement and progress. The program will be implemented as part of the wider CONNECTED initiative and gives all students the opportunity to guide their own learning path by selecting from French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and German.
CONNECTED, introduced last year in NPS, puts digital devices into the hands of every student and focuses on finding innovative ways to instruct. NPS is providing more than 6,200 devices in the fall semester for every K-12 student enrolled in NPS’s 11 schools. All students in grades 2-6—approximately 2,300—will be able to access the Rosetta Stone program on their devices both in school and at home.
“This student-centered program will provide rich opportunities to learn about other cultures and build on students’ overall communications skills,” said Dr. Kevin Kopp, Executive Director of Elementary Education at Nixa Public Schools. “Learning a second language is great for overall critical thinking and problem solving, which trickles into their other subjects. We’re thrilled to be able to offer Rosetta Stone to our kids as it aligns nicely with our overall goal of getting students ready for the real world.”
The students will experience the world language program during break-out periods, similar to other elective programs, and will be facilitated by trained media aides. Students have access to the program at any time and will be able to extend their learning beyond the basic requirements as much as they’d like.
“Integrating the Rosetta Stone program and activities in Nixa Public Schools’ overarching digital access initiative demonstrates a seamless integration of learning,” said Matt Hall, Vice President, Enterprise & Education, Rosetta Stone. “NPS is equipping its students with the tools they need for success in college and careers. As a partner, we support their commitment to preparing their students to compete in the global job market.”
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About Nixa Public Schools
Nixa Public Schools was established in 1899 and serves more than 6,200 students at 11 schools in Nixa, MO. Minority students comprise 11 percent of the student body. The district is consistently recognized at the regional, state, and national level for academic excellence. The district has been awarded three Gold Star Schools from the state of Missouri as well as two Blue Ribbon Schools from the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information on Nixa Public Schools, visit www.nixapublicschools.net.
The Nixa Public Schools logo is a registered trademark or trademark of Nixa Public Schools in the United States.
About Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) is dedicated to changing people’s lives through the power of language and literacy education. The company’s innovative, personalized language and reading programs drive positive learning outcomes in thousands of schools, businesses, government organizations and for millions of individual learners around the world.
Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stone pioneered the use of interactive software to accelerate language learning and is widely recognized today as the industry leader in providing effective language programs. The company’s cloud-based programs allow users to learn online or on-the-go via tablet or smartphone, whether in a classroom, in a corporate setting, or in a personal learning environment. Rosetta Stone is also a leader in the literacy education space, helping millions of students build fundamental reading skills through its Lexia Learning division. Additionally, the company's Fit Brains business offers personalized brain training programs developed by neuroscientists and award-winning game designers to be fun and help keep your brain sharp.
Rosetta Stone is based in Arlington, VA, and has offices and operations around the world. For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com. “Rosetta Stone” is a registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the United States and other countries.