Valparaisoo Community Schools Middle School World Language Program Welcome Introduction to the World

Language opportunities at Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin Middle Schools

MS “Dual Credit” opportunity

Current World Language Program 1995/96 to the present (2011/12) 7th/8th grades2 year commitment Two years of MS = one year of HS instruction Slower pace = more culture   Same books, workbooks, tests... Highly Qualified Teachers

(HQT) content licensed MS WL has NO HS credit Students begin HS with 2nd year of the

language

2012-13 and beyond World Language Program Course content will not change = 1st year

VHS WL course Final Exam: 7th grade = 1st semester HS

8th grade = 2nd semester HS

One MS year long course = 1 HS semester credit

HS Transcript Grade = 40% 1st/2nd 9 Weeks + 40% 3rd/4th 9 Weeks + 20% Final Exam

MS grades will count on HS transcript & GPA

Opt out option at end of 7th grade

Decision at the end of 7th Grade Continue study into 8th grade = HS

credit/transcript Drop WL at end of 7th grade = No HS

credit/transcript, enroll in CA 8th grade Timeline: Parents begin discussing

with child Winter BreakSpring Break Teacher will make formal

recommendation prior to Spring Break

To To Make Make the the

World World your your

OysteOyster!r!

Everyone speaks English.Everyone speaks English. Think again.Think again.

Foreign Language strengthens yourForeign Language strengthens yournative language.native language.

Children who have studied a language at Children who have studied a language at the elementary level score higher on tests the elementary level score higher on tests in reading, language arts, and mathin reading, language arts, and math. .

Research has shown that math and verbal Research has shown that math and verbal SAT scores rise with each additional year SAT scores rise with each additional year of foreign language studyof foreign language study

Most universities require Most universities require a minimuma minimum of two of two years of foreign language for admissionyears of foreign language for admission..

Why Study a Why Study a World World

Language?Language?

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Parlez vous francais? ¿Habla Español?

Cultural &

Global

Understanding

STUDY ABROAD

OPPORTUNITIESIT’S FUN!!!

Benefits of Receiving High School Credit

Students spend two school years grounding in first year building a solid foundation

Meeting 3 yr world language requirement for an Honors Diploma

Frees up schedule for more electives such as possible study of a 2nd World Language

Spanish

Preparation for 2nd year WL course Overview of curriculum Growth of Spanish language in US Culture Use of instructional technology to

enhance learning

French

French is an international language spoken by over 100 million people in 30 countries of the world.

Knowing French will increase your child's English vocabulary ; 40 % of English words come from French.

French is still an important diplomatic language which is used in the United Nations and the European Union.

French is the second language on the internet. Students will be able to do research in Science, Medicine, and Technology.

French is the language of the Arts, Literature, Fashion, and Cuisine.

UNIVERSITY & BEYOND:

COMMUNICATIONS:

DEUTSCH LERNENH

ER

ITA

GE

HER

ITA

GE

€C

ON

OM

IC$:

GLOBAL

NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK

Meine Schwester hat braunes Haar. Sie ist intelligent.

Sie studiert Medizin in Berlin. Sie kann

gut singen.

is designed to

Improve comprehension

Practice writing skills

Review test-taking strategies

Strengthen vocabulary

Utilize print and electronic current events

Work cooperatively in a project based environment

Improve oral and written skills as they are specifically related to presentations, specifically

speeches and PowerPoint

Identify and remediate specific skill areas of concern in E/LA

Where do we go from here? Course selection for 7th grade World

Language or Communication Arts? Communication Arts 7th 8th Course selection for 8th grade World

Language or Communication Arts? Select WL grade and credit will be

reflected on HS transcript Auditing is not an option BFMS & TJMS are similar, but not

identical programs