The Hispanic population now makes up the largest ethnic minority group in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest population estimates (July 2002). With this new milestone, many inter-cultural benefits emerge. However, because of the language factor, there is also a major downside when it comes to education.

In addressing the language challenge, Acellus developers learned from teachers of English as a second language that one of the best ways to learn a new language is to become immersed in it. However, when it comes to learning mathematics it is also important to have ready help with words or concepts that are difficult to grasp in context. Providing Spanish instruction for Hispanic students that incorporates some English accelerates the assimilation of the new language without jeopardizing the students’ ability to learn mathematics because of the language barrier. Acellus addresses Hispanic students’ need to pick up English and their need to understand mathematics by combining the two languages in a stimulating but non-impeding way.

Spanish versions of Acellus courses consist of the following:

• Lectures taught in Spanish, with mathematic terms also introduced in English
• Notes in Spanish
• Problems in English
• Mathematical Terms in Spanish

Mathematics, as a language, has its own specific terminology. Acellus Spanish gives students an opportunity to learn in their native tongue while preparing them for the transition to being able to take English courses in the future.