Writing a Proposal

Statement of Problem

According to U.S. census information, Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the United States.  The Hispanic origin population is expected to contribute 45 percent of the nation’s population growth from 2010 to 2030 (2010).  Ashford University has to better prepare students to operate in a bi-lingual society.  A growing Hispanic population is forcing most businesses to require employees to be proficient in English and Spanish.  Ashford graduates have the potential to be overlooked for jobs and promotions because they cannot speak, read, or write Spanish, even though they have a college degree.

Currently, Ashford only offers some Spanish classes as electives.  This leaves students with only a minimum amount of Spanish education, most likely forcing them to search elsewhere for upper-level Spanish classes.  Ashford must meet the growing and changing demands of society by providing students with an opportunity to become dual language learners.

Objective

This proposal outlines a feasible plan to begin implementation of an online Spanish degree program at Ashford University.  It will list the advantages for the student as well as university.

Proposed Plan

A curriculum plan is needed that involves reading and hands on approaches to learning Spanish. Most Universities require 1 year of beginning Spanish and 1 year of intermediate Spanish as a prerequisite for upper level courses.  After that students are able to take 300 and 400 level classes.  Administrators must find textbooks that come equipped with audio c.d.’s.  These c.d.’s will help students say words, phrases and sentences correctly and should go along with lesson plans.  These can either be purchased from an outside vendor or faculty members can come up with their own.  Upper and lower level classes will follow the same approach, educational literature and audio.  Other required courses should be Spanish writing and grammar. Spanish Electives are also needed concerning Spanish history, culture and literature.  Studying abroad in a Spanish country could also be offered for college credit.  Students would have to pay out of pocket for trip expenses.

Incorporating Rosetta Stone Classroom software is also an excellent learning tool for the online Spanish program.  Rosetta Stone is responsible for countless success stories of everyday people becoming bi-lingual.  Rosetta Stone’s interactive software helps students build proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, writing and reading (1999-2010).  Classroom software comes with c.d.’s, lessons and activities for students in higher education.  To order software or to find out pricing information you would have to contact a representative online or by phone at rosettastone.com.

Conclusion

Competition is heating up among colleges and universities as they strive to provide the best online programs.  Currently, top online schools such as Phoenix and Kaplan University do not offer Spanish degrees.  By implementing this program Ashford University has the potential to become more attractive to future and prospective students.