Brittany O'Connor presented a typical math lesson to her third-graders Tuesday, but she taught it in an unconventional way - in Spanish.

O'Connor's 23 students are part of Little Canada Elementary School's growing dual-language immersion program - the Roseville school district initiative that pairs students who want to learn Spanish and native speakers with limited English skills.

School officials say the concept has a proven track record nationally of boosting the academic achievement of native and new English speakers, with students emerging from the program after middle school fluent in two languages.