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 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 that our most successful 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 as Spanish I students.

e-SVS Spanish II Mediated- Independent student characteristics

Students learn independently, at their own pace. The e-SVS Spanish II program will best suit students who have shown the following:

• ability to work unsupervised for extended periods
• average technical, computer knowledge
• are self-motivated and possess age-appropriate maturity
• willingness to request help when needed.

Equipment you’ll need for Spanish I and Spanish II, utilizing the Teaching Partner format

• DVD player television monitor (27” recommended)
• CD player /cassette recorder
• telephone with speakerphone
• student and teacher curricular materials

Equipment you’ll need for e-SVS Spanish II, utilizing the Independent Study format

• internet-equipped computer with DVD capability and headphones
• suitable in-school learning environment
• telephone access to make toll-free calls
• student-only curricular materials

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.