Proposal to expand the Foreign Language program at Bull Run by adopting exploratory and introductory courses in world language in lower grade levels.

The Introduction to World Languages will: 1. Promote student awareness of different languages and diverse cultures at an earlier age.  Develops appreciation of diversity within and outside Bull Run 2. Support Middle School model  Interdisciplinary approach (art, music, history, innovations specific to a culture). 3. Expose students to the concept of what it means to learn a language and different skill areas involved in “knowing” a language which include listening, reading, writing and speaking.  Supports development of different learning strategies Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

The Introduction to World Languages will: 4. Support vertical alignment of language study  Tyler Elementary, Bull Run Middle School, Battlefield High School o Gap in grades 6 & 7 5. Build background knowledge of specific languages so students are able to make a well informed decision if they choose to study language more formally.  Students take personal ownership for their learning  Increase enrollment in French classes  Students enter the high school course with better understanding of expectations (fluency, course of study, high school curriculum)  Support parents, “What can I do to get my child ready for French /Spanish in 8 th grade?” Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

The Introduction to World Languages will: 6. Increase level of proficiency and success at the end of the first year of formal language study  Students will already have some control of basic content (greetings, colors, numbers, alphabet, basic phrases, etc). o Better preparation for and understanding of second language learning process (math) o Currently, learning these concepts takes 4-6 weeks (meeting every other day) o Rapid growth of proficiency occurs in the second semester of level 1 Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

What sequence of programs should we offer to meet the needs of adolescent learners? Offering the current high school course to all middle school students is not appropriate. In eighth-grade classrooms, there is a six- to eight-year span in physical development among the students; and in seventh-grade classrooms, there is a six- to eight-year span in academic achievement. (National Middle School Association, 2000, pp. 9-10). Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

Proposed Sequence of Courses: 6th grade - Introduction to World Languages: 9-12 week exploratory middle school program which introduces the concepts the history of language and culture and further provides students the opportunity to learn simple words, expressions in variety of languages such as Latin, Spanish, French, German, etc. No Carnegie unit of credit is awarded. 7 th grade - World Languages Focus: Spanish & French: 9-12 week middle school program that focuses on the two languages offered in 8 th grade. This course will go into more depth in the areas of culture, geography and history specific to the Spanish and French-speaking world. Students begin to build background knowledge of the sound systems and vocabulary through thematic learning. Possible themes include time & weather, family, personal demographics, etc. No Carnegie unit of credit is awarded. Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

Proposed Sequence of Courses: 8th grade - Spanish I or French I: Students use the language authentically, communicating in real-life situations from the beginning of the course. They learn the sound system and basic grammar and vocabulary, primarily through use of the language in meaningful contexts. All basic skills of the language are learned: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on communication in interpersonal situations. Culture is an integral part of the course. One Carnegie unit of credit is earned upon successful completion of the course. (PWCS High School Course Catalog) Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages

Resources: John H. Lounsbury, John H. “Understanding and appreciating the Wonder Years” (National Middle School Association) 2000 Sandrock, P. and Webb, E. “Learning Languages in Middle Schools” (National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages) 2003 Bull Run Middle School Department of World Languages