WORLD LANGUAGES IN THE HCPSS
The World Language Program prepares students to participate in a multilingual environment that values other cultures. It incorporates a proficiency-based curriculum that enables students to use the world language in real-life situations. The program is designed to stimulate cognitive development and to help students improve skills in their first language. Research supports this approach; children who study a world language show greater mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking, and higher order thinking skills. The study of a language also enhances listening skills and memory. The development of these skills supports preparation for college and career readiness.
Program Objectives The World Language Program supports the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan, the implementation of the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards Initiative, and the school system’s focus on increasing the number of students who graduate ready for college and careers by:
Middle School World Language
http://www.hcpss.org/academics/world-language-program/student-and-parent-resources/
The World Language Program prepares students to participate in a multilingual environment that values other cultures. It incorporates a proficiency-based curriculum that enables students to use the world language in real-life situations. The program is designed to stimulate cognitive development and to help students improve skills in their first language. Research supports this approach; children who study a world language show greater mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking, and higher order thinking skills. The study of a language also enhances listening skills and memory. The development of these skills supports preparation for college and career readiness.
Program Objectives The World Language Program supports the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan, the implementation of the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards Initiative, and the school system’s focus on increasing the number of students who graduate ready for college and careers by:
- Developing functional proficiency in a world language.
- Strengthening literacy skills in students’ home language and the language under study.
- Offering a range of world language courses to meet the diversified needs of county students.
- Promoting respect for and appreciation of differences in cultural practices, products, and perspectives.
- Providing professional development opportunities for teachers of world languages.
- Emphasizing the goals of the national standards for learning world languages.
Middle School World Language
- Students in Grade 7 may choose French or Spanish to complete level I over two years (7th and 8th grades).
- The class meets daily for the full school year.
- Level I is completed over Grades 7 and 8.
- If students were not enrolled in a world language in Grade 7, they will be able to join the 8th grade language class if they have taken the summer school course, Grade 7 French or Spanish.
- Students will have an end-of-course assessment in Grade 8.
- In Grade 9, students have the option to continue to Level II or II Honors of the language, switch to a new language, or begin their language study at that time.
- Students must still take two credits of world language at the high school level if they choose that option for their Program Choice for graduation (additional options include American Sign Language, Advanced Technology or Career Academy).
http://www.hcpss.org/academics/world-language-program/student-and-parent-resources/