World Languages

Philosophy
World languages provide a vital role in preparing students for life in a dynamic world.  We believe in the benefits of language study at each level, up to AP and beyond.

Multicultural perspectives:  Exposure to another language gives students a unique perspective on their native tongue and culture, as well as a better appreciation of world culture.

Higher achievement:  The ability to communicate in multiple languages expands participation in local and world communities.  Language study helps prepare students to become leaders without cultural and linguistic restrictions.

Lifelong skills:  Our programs are designed to provide students the opportunities to develop core skills and knowledge and the proficiency necessary to apply them in a variety of settings.  In order to make these benefits accessible to all learners, we apply modifications and differentiations to content and pacing.

Standards
Standard 1:  Communication
  • Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
  • Standard 1.2: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics.
  • Standard 1.3: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.

Standard 2:  Culture

  • Standard 2.1: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied.
  • Standard 2.2: Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied.

Standard 3:  Connections

  • Standard 3.1: Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.
  • Standard 3.2: Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures.

Standard 4:  Comparisons

  • Standard 4.1: Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own.
  • Standard 4.2: Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.

Standard 5:  Communities

  • Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting.
  • Standard 5.2: Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.