Learning a New Language at MVMS Maggie Kapustin Iris Chao Mercedes Castro Kristen Strickler Barbara Sharbaugh January 21, 2016

Why all kids need to learn languages “The day has long past when a citizen could afford to be uninformed about the rest of the world and America’s place in that world. CED therefore believes it is critical to ensure that all students become globally competent citizens who will lead our country in the twenty-first century.” Council for Economic Development, 2006

HCPSS STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL Develop robust world language instruction and international learning opportunities K-12 GOAL Provide equitable access to rigorous coursework Pre-K-12, including Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement, and World Languages.

Pathways to Proficiency System Goal for World Languages In addition to English Language Arts, every student will graduate with intermediate level proficiency in at least one other world language.

Proficiency Levels and Expectations By the end ofExpected proficiency level Level 1Novice mid Level 2Novice high Level 3Intermediate low Level 4Intermediate mid APIntermediate high/Advanced low 6

HCPSS Beliefs and Values Around Language Learning Language is best learned in an immersion setting. Language function takes precedent over language form. Language learning should begin as early as possible. Language learning should be available to all students. Language learners are diverse and grow at varying rates in their language learning. Language learning aligns with 21 st century skills and contributions to college and career readiness. Language skills are best measured by proficiency level.

Benefits of Studying a World Language

HIGHER TEST SCORES … During the past several years, statistics from the College Board show a positive correlation between SAT scores in English and math and the study of world languages.

Interdisciplinary Benefits: How could a world language help me with other subjects? It’s easy to connect WL study with other disciplines! Geography English Arts Math FACS History

College Admission Requirements World Languages are important to colleges! Most schools require at least 2 years Others recommend as many as 4 years, but require 2 or 3 years Most schools recommend the study in the SAME language Colleges would rather you study one language in- depth, than to study beginning levels of two or more languages.

How do World Languages work at MVMS?

Who is eligible to study a world language? All students in 6 th, 7 th & 8 th Grade.

Which world languages are offered at MVMS? Chinese French Spanish

In 6 th grade, you can start Chinese, French or Spanish. It’s recommended for all students, especially those who want to attend college! In 9 th grade, you can continue with Chinese, French or Spanish, or start German, Italian, Russian, Latin, or American Sign Language.

How often do the WL classes meet? 7 th & 8 th Grades Everyday Monday – Friday 50 minutes 6 th Grade Every other day A Day/ B Day 50 minutes

What is the workload of the WL class? 5 th Academic Course Homework Vocabulary/Language Structures Quizzes/Tests Projects Practice time outside of class

What are WL classes like? Proficiency Based Approach Interactive What learners know and can do with the language Real-life scenarios Instruction % in target language Development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills

work independently, with partners, and groups perform tasks in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in the target language. explore and connect with other cultures as well as their own develop a deeper understanding of the structure of language, and important skills for literacy A Successful World Language Student Will…

How can I learn without speaking English? Pictures Gestures Movement Songs Video Clips Poetry Games

High School Placement Determined in 8th grade year: Level 2 Level 2 Honors Repeat Level 1 Students must pass end-of-course assessment to place in level II in high school. How does the WL class count towards high school?

Credit Transcript - Student’s course grade Credit - Earn one credit toward the 21 required credits for graduation Student’s grade will not be calculated into the high school GPA If a student re-takes level 1 in high school… The high school grade will be calculated into the GPA Only one credit will be awarded

World Languages Pathway French Spanish Chinese Middle School High School 9th 10th 11th 12th High School 9th 10th 11th 12th No Language French, Spanish or Chinese Level II / II Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level II / II Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level III / III Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level III / III Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level IV / IV Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level IV / IV Honors French, Spanish or Chinese Level V AP French, Spanish or Chinese Level V AP Level I Level II / II Honors Level III / III Honors Level IV / IV AP Level I Level II / II Honors Level III / III Honors Level I Level II / II Honors 1 Credit in Middle School if: Pass 8th Grade World Language Pass End-of-Course Assessment Plus 2 credits in High School 1 Credit in Middle School if: Pass 8th Grade World Language Pass End-of-Course Assessment Plus 2 credits in High School Begin a 2 nd or 3 rd World Language 6 th Grade 7 th Grade 8 th Grade