World Languages Department
Mission Statement

The World Languages Department is committed to cultivating experiences that support students in learning a second language.  Our objective is to prepare students to communicate effectively in a second language and develop a deep understanding of the world’s communities. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of other cultures, promoting diversity, tolerance, and future success as a global citizen.

Overview

At the middle school, the World Languages program begins in sixth grade with all students introduced to both French and Spanish. Students continue with either French or Spanish in seventh and eighth grade, establishing a foundation for high school language studies.  At the high school, we offer a four-year language experience giving students essential 21st century skills which prepare them for college and career opportunities. 

Students in grades 9-12 may take a complete sequence of classes in French and Spanish with emphasis on competent communication and broad multicultural awareness.  Local curricula are aligned to the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and teachers in each course use authentic resources in their instruction.  Students strive to meet goals for interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication while also making connections with and comparing communities in other parts of the world with their own.  Students engage in performance-based tasks and project-based learning, typically on a digital platform, which encourage collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

Sequences at the high school begin with Level 2 in grade 9.*  Honors courses are offered in Levels 3, 4, and 5.  Juniors and seniors enrolled in Levels 4 and 5 have the opportunity to earn college credits through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.  AP French Language and Culture and AP Spanish Language and Culture are also offered to students interested in rigorous college-level studies.  

*Spanish Level 1 is offered to students at the high school who did not pass Level 1 in either Spanish or French in the 8th grade and to students new to the district with no previous language study.

Assessments

Students take a Checkpoint A exam after completing Level 1, typically at the end of grade 8.  After successfully passing the 8th grade course and the Checkpoint A exam, students will earn one high school credit toward the Advanced Designated Regents sequence and fulfill the New York State Regents Diploma requirement.

Students take a Checkpoint B exam at the completion of Level 3R/H, usually at the end of 10th grade.  Students attempting a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation must pass the course and the Checkpoint B exam.

Our upper level courses address Checkpoint C.  Students in these courses take locally developed assessments and, if enrolled in an Advanced Placement course, the AP Exam.