*1 Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) Proposal Sharon Public Schools: January 21, 2015

Overview FLES guiding principles, vision and process FLES curriculum & research FLES timeline and class schedule Budget implications Foreign language articulation Next steps *2

Guiding Principles of MA. Frameworks All students should become proficient in at least one language other than English. Language acquisition is a life-long process. Effective FL programs integrate culture and create natural links to other disciplines. Assessment of student learning is an integral component of FL instruction. *3

FLES Proposal addresses FL Curriculum Review (2012), SPS Strategic Plan, ( ) and Guiding Principles of MA. Frameworks Expand FL opportunities at the elementary level Help students achieve FL proficiency by grade 12 Create programs consistent with world-readiness standards for learning languages *4

* FLES Vision

 The FLES program will be part of an integrated and research-based language arts program.  Sharon educators understand the term language arts to include ALL language, including a foreign or second language.  Language learning is a life-long process. * VISION

Vision continues Students in the FLES program will: Enhance their interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills. Use the target language to investigate, evaluate, and reflect on cultural practices through compare and contrast. Use the target language beyond the classroom to collaborate with diverse cultures and engage in responsible global citizenship. *

Process FLES Committee reviewed literature on successful FLES programs and implementation. FLES Committee visited local FLES Programs in Brookline, Dover-Sherborn, and Holliston. FLES Committee proposed requirements of an SPS FLES Program. Elementary principals, Asst. Supt. and FL Coord. created prototypes of classroom teacher and FLES teacher schedules along with necessary budget. *

* FL Research & Curriculum

Need for Early, Continued, and Integrated FL Instruction The window for acquiring a FL is highest between birth and age six and declines successively. Early and continued FL instruction provides cognitive, academic and sociocultural benefits. Students studying a FL outperform students with no FL instruction in core subjects and standardized tests. Effective FL programs integrate culture and create natural links to other disciplines.

FLES Program Implementation Gr. 1-3 minimum 20 min. 3 times a week Gr. 4-5 minimum 30 min. 3 times a week FLES teachers certified in FL and Elem. Ed. Clear benchmarks for student proficiency and outcomes at each grade

* FLES Timeline and Schedules

: FLES Gr. 1, 2; FLEX Gr : FLES Gr. 1,2, 3; FLEX Gr : FLES Gr. 1, 2, 3, 4; FLEX Gr : Full FLES Implementation Gr. 1- 5; Advanced FL class in 6th grade; curriculum development for advanced classes continues * Timeline for Rollout

What do grade 1 & 2 FLES schedules look like? *14

Grade 1 teacher’s sample schedule *15

Grade 2 teacher’s sample schedule *16

WHAT DO GRADE 3 & 4 FLES SCHEDULES LOOK LIKE?

Grade 3 teacher’s sample schedule *

Grade 4 teacher’s sample schedule *19

Grades 3 & 4 1st-3 rd grade students will receive 20 minutes of FLES instruction three days a week (60 minutes per week) 4 th grade students will receive 30 minutes of FLES instruction three days a week (90 minutes per week) *

Grade Transition from FLEX to FLES: – No additional cost – Reconfiguration of faculty to reflect 4.5 FTE model – In addition to FLES, grade 5 students will receive exposure to other district foreign languages via community education, SMS, and SHS staff presentations

* FLES Budget Implications: please reference excel sheet

* FLES Articulation

All students study one language grade 1-5. Students may continue with the same language or switch to another language in 6 th grade. Students may continue with the same language or switch to another language in 9 th grade. * SPS students will be able to study one FL for 12 years increasing the potential to achieve proficiency

Grade 1-5 FL #1 Grade 6-8 FL #1Grade 6-8 FL #2 Grade 9-12 FL#1Grade 9-12 FL #2Grade 9-12 FL #3 12 total years FL7 total years FL2 to 4 total years FL (2 year graduation requirement) o “..only about 15% of students reach a proficiency level near Intermediate-Mid even after approximately 720 hours of study, which is about four years in a typical high school program.” (CASLS, 2010) (Romance Language) o Mandarin Chinese at least double number of hours to reach same level * Possible Grade 1-12

Elementary Parent Survey Results Survey question I believe it is necessary to be proficient in a foreign language in order to succeed in the 21 st century global economy. Survey responses Strongly Agree: 66% ( N=120) Agree:24% (N=44) Disagree: 5% (N=9) Strongly Disagree: 3% (N=3) Unsure: 6% (N=6) Total N=180

Middle School Parent Survey Results Survey question I believe it is necessary to be proficient in a foreign language in order to succeed in the 21 st century global economy. Survey responses Strongly Agree: 50% ( N=70) Agree:29% (N=41) Disagree: 13% (N=18) Strongly Disagree: 1% (N=2) Unsure: 6% (N=9) Total N=140

High School Parent Survey Results Survey question I believe it is necessary to be proficient in a foreign language in order to succeed in the 21 st century global economy. Survey responses Strongly Agree: 55% ( N=81) Agree:26% (N=38) Disagree: 13% (N=19) Strongly Disagree: 2% (N=3) Unsure: 5% (N=7) Total N=148

Middle School Parent Survey Results Survey question Based on your child’s experience as you see it, please rank order your top three concerns about the Foreign Language program in Sharon Public Schools. Survey result 53% of parents ranked this as their top concern 19% of parents ranked this as their 2 nd concern 14% of parents ranked this as their 3rd concern

High school Survey Results Survey question Based on your child’s experience as you see it, please rank order your top three concerns about the Foreign Language program in Sharon Public Schools. Survey result 63% of parents ranked this as their top concern 25% of parents ranked this as their 2 nd concern 6% of parents ranked this as their 3rd concern

School committee’s approval of FLES program will set in motion:  Survey development for selection of FLES language.  Community meetings with PTO and school council members to promote the FLES vision.  Hire FLES facilitator and teachers.  Plan summer FL curriculum development.  Commitment to FL instruction in the SPS. Next steps

* Questions or Comments