WORLD LANGUAGES AT MARRIOTTS RIDGE 1

WORLD LANGUAGES AT MARRIOTTS RIDGE QUESTIONS? CONTACT STACIE_GADO@HCPSS.ORG

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Program Choice – Students choose 1 of the following 2 credits in World Language 2 credits in American Sign Language 2 credits in approved Advanced Technology 4 credits in a Career and Technology Education (CTE) Completer

WORLD LANGUAGES OFFERED IN HOWARD COUNTY American Sign Language ** Chinese (Digital and Face to Face) French German Italian Latin Russian Spanish Each High School offers different languages, depending on the interest and staffing of the individual school.

WORLD LANGUAGES CURRENTLY THRIVING AT MRHS Spanish Italian German French Chinese Levels 1 - 5 AP Levels 1 – 4 AP Seven languages are offered in the HCPSS. Currently at XX High School, we have (name the languages offered at your school). Levels 2 - 5 AP Levels 1-3H 5

WORLD LANGUAGES PATHWAY Middle School High School 9th 10th 11th 12th French, Spanish or Chinese Level II / II Honors Level III / III Honors Level IV Honors Level V AP No Language or switch Languages Level I Level II / II Honors Level III / III Honors Level IV H / IV AP Start one or another language Level I Level II / II Honors Level III / III Honors Our goal is for students to continue with one language throughout their High School Career. Level I Level II / II Honors We also encourage students to study more than one language if this is an interest of theirs.

Chinese French German Italian Spanish WORLD LANGUAGE CLUBS FOR ALL STUDENTS AND WL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETIES FOR STUDENTS IN LEVEL 3 OR HIGHER: Chinese French German Italian Spanish As students progress through their high school career, they have several options to begin and extend their language study. (Read through the options.) Note that students who successfully complete the middle school language program earn one credit, but must still take two credits of language study at the high school level. The middle school credit appears on the high school transcript as a “pass” and does not figure into the GPA. 7

POSSIBLE TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES During Spring Break or Summer Italy Spain France Mexico Argentina Costa Rica

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.

HCPSS WORLD LANGUAGE GUIDING PRINCIPLES Language is best learned in an immersion setting. Language function takes precedence 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 skills are best measured by proficiency level. Language learning aligns with 21st century skills and contributes to college and career readiness.

COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Vary from University/college to University/college 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

WORLD LANGUAGES AT MARRIOTTS RIDGE QUESTIONS? CONTACT STACIE_GADO@HCPSS.ORG

WORLD LANGUAGE HONOR STUDENTS: Grasp content at quicker pace & in greater depth Possess high levels of retention & require less review Are comfortable with open-ended questions & are more divergent in their responses Thrive on more challenging and complex tasks in the language

WORLD LANGUAGES Interesting Fact: Students who averaged four or more years of language study scored higher on the verbal section of the SAT than those who had studied four or more years of any other subject area.