WORLD LANGUAGES

Schenectady High School offers study in three modern languages—French, Spanish and Arabic. All students must successfully complete one year of World Language study to fulfill graduation requirements. Qualifying students may continue with a course that provides the option of earning Advanced Regents, University credit and/or an International Baccalaureate Diploma. The programs at the International Baccalaureate and LOTE Checkpoint B exam level stress the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and cover material in depth. Students wishing to enter an International Baccalaureate or certification in World Language certificate program should receive a grade of 85% or higher on the LOTE Checkpoint B exam.

The primary goal of World Language study is to achieve communication with a native speaker in the context of everyday situations appropriate to the level of study. Classroom instruction at all levels is primarily done in the target language and enhanced by modern technology available district-wide. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the values, attitudes, and customs of the cultures where the language they are studying is spoken.

Grade 9 –12

· French 1 (1 Credit)

· Spanish 1 (1 Credit)

· Arabic 1 (1Credit)

Grade 9 –12 Prerequisites

· French 2 (1 Credit)

· French 9 Pre-IB (1 Credit)

· French 3 (1 Credit)

· Spanish 2 (1 Credit)

· Spanish 9 Pre-IB (1 Credit)

· Spanish 3 (1 Credit)

Grade 10—12 Prerequisites

· French 10 Pre-IB (1 Credit) (10 only)

· French 4 (1 Credit)

· French 5 CHS (1 Credit)

· Spanish 10 Pre-IB (1 Credit) (10 only)

· Spanish 4 CHS (1 Credit)

· Spanish 5 CHS (1 Credit)

· Arabic 2 (1 Credit)



Grade 11 Prerequisites

· French B SL 1 UHS (1 Credit)

· Spanish B SL 1 UHS (1 Credit)

· Arabic ab initio SL 1 (1 Credit)

Grade 12 Prerequisites

· French B SL 2 UHS (1 Credit)

· Spanish B SL 2 UHS (1 Credit)

· Arabic ab initio SL 2 (1 Credit)


WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES

FRENCH 1/SPANISH 1

(1 CREDIT)

Emphasis will be placed on listening and speaking skills with an introduction to reading and writing. Upon successful completion at this level students will be able to converse in simple sentences. The students will develop a general understanding and appreciation of the customs and traditions of French or Spanish speaking people.

FRENCH 2/SPANISH 2

(1 CREDIT)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1 or French 8, Spanish 1 or Spanish 8

This course continues the World Language Checkpoint B sequence. Students will develop a better understanding of the culture of the French or Spanish speaking world through the acquisition of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

FRENCH 3/SPANISH 3

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2/French 8A, Spanish 2/Spanish 8A

In French 3 and Spanish 3 there is a continued emphasis on all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Vocabulary is expanded to improve all four skills. Spanish & French culture continues to be an integral part of the programs.

ARABIC 1

(1 CREDIT)

The level 1 accelerated Arabic course is designed for the serious student interested in developing all four language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. The enriched curriculum for these courses will be taught on an advanced level which emphasizes critical thinking and will prepare the students for future coursework in the IB Program.

ARABIC 2

(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Arabic 1

The level 2 accelerated Arabic course is designed to develop mastery of the four language skills. Students are expected to express themselves orally as well as through written composition in the language. Appropriate authentic materials will be used to continue exploring the different cultures. Students will develop the proficiency essential for success on the Regents examination or equivalent. The enriched curriculum for this course will be taught on an advanced level, emphasizing critical thinking in order to prepare the students for future coursework in the International Baccalaureate Program in the 11th grade. Students will take the LOTE Checkpoint B exam in June. Upon successful completion of the WL Checkpoint B Exam, students fulfill the World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

FRENCH 9 ACC PRE-IB

(1 CREDIT)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of French 8 Accelerated.

The ninth grade accelerated French course is designed for the serious student interested in developing all four language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. The enriched curriculum for these courses will be taught on an advanced level which emphasizes critical thinking and will prepare the students for future coursework in the International Baccalaureate Program.

SPANISH 9 ACC PRE-IB

(1 CREDIT)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of Spanish 8 Accelerated.

The ninth grade accelerated Spanish course is designed for the serious student interested in developing all four language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. The enriched curriculum for these courses will be taught on an advanced level which emphasizes critical thinking and will prepare the students for future coursework in the International Baccalaureate Program.

FRENCH 10 ACC PRE-IB

(1 CREDIT) LOTE CHK B EXAM

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of French 9 Pre-IB Accelerated.

The 10th grade accelerated French course is designed to develop mastery of the four language skills. Students are expected to express themselves orally as well as through written composition in the language. Appropriate authentic materials will be used to continue exploring the different cultures. Students will develop the proficiency essential for success on the WL Checkpoint B Examination. The enriched curriculum for this course will be taught on an advanced level, emphasizing critical thinking in order to prepare the students for future coursework in the International Baccalaureate Program in the 11th grade. Students will take the WL Checkpoint B Exam in June. Upon successful completion of the WL Checkpoint B Exam, students fulfill the World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

SPANISH 10 ACC PRE-IB

(1 CREDIT) LOTE CHK B EXAM

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of Spanish 9 Pre-IB Accelerated.

The 10th grade accelerated Spanish course is designed to develop mastery of the four language skills. Students are expected to express themselves orally as well as through written composition in the language. Appropriate authentic materials will be used to continue exploring the different cultures. Students will develop the proficiency essential for success on the WL Checkpoint B Examination. The enriched curriculum for this course will be taught on an advanced level, emphasizing critical thinking in order to prepare the students for future coursework in the International Baccalaureate Program in the 11th grade. Students will take the WL Checkpoint B Exam in June. Upon successful completion of the WL Checkpoint B Exam, students fulfill the World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

FRENCH 4

(1 CREDIT) WORLD LANGUAGE CHECKPOINT B EXAM

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3/French 9acc

Students will develop the proficiency essential for success on the Checkpoint B WL examination. There is continued emphasis on all four language skills. Students are expected to express themselves orally as well as through written composition in French. Appropriate authentic materials will expand the student’s knowledge of the culture of French speaking people. Students will take the WL Checkpoint B Exam in June. Upon successful completion of the WL Checkpoint B Exam, students fulfill the World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

SPANISH 4 CHS

(1 CREDIT) WORLD LANGUAGE CHECKPOINT B EXAM

3 CHS CREDITS, SCCC, (SPA 122)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3/Spanish 9acc.

Students will develop the proficiency essential for success on the Checkpoint B WL examination. There is continued emphasis on all four language skills. Students are expected to express themselves orally as well as through written composition in Spanish. Appropriate authentic materials will expand the student’s knowledge of the culture of Spanish speaking people. Students will take the WL Checkpoint B Exam in June. Upon successful completion of the WL Checkpoint B Exam, students fulfill the World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

FRENCH 5 CHS

(1 CREDIT) 3 CHS, SCCC, (FRE 122)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 4

This course furthers the knowledge of the student’s language skills through review of the fundamentals of Spanish structure, and by emphasizing oral reading comprehension and self-expression in speaking and writing. The course also expands students’ understanding of the civilization, culture, and customs of Spanish-speaking people. The Pre-requisite for this course is successful completion of Spanish 4 CHS, 10 ACC or 11 IB.

SPANISH 5 CHS

(1 CREDIT) 3 CHS, SCCC, (SPA 222)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4

This course furthers the knowledge of the student’s language skills through review of the fundamentals of Spanish structure, and by emphasizing oral reading comprehension and self-expression in speaking and writing. The course also expands students’ understanding of the civilization, culture, and customs of Spanish-speaking people. The Pre-requisite for this course is successful completion of Spanish 4 CHS, 10 ACC or 11 IB.

ARABIC IB AB INITIO SL 1

(1 CREDIT)

Prerequisite: Successful completion or Arabic 2 or recommendation from instructor

This is the first year of a two-year preparation for the IB Language ab Initio exam in Arabic. It is for students who intend to continue in the IB Diploma Program or earn an IB Certificate in Arabic. Other interested students must seek permission of the instructor. The syllabus for this course is determined by the objectives and assessment criteria of the IB Language ab Initio Syllabus. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally emphasized and are taught and developed through the study of a range of authentic oral and written text chosen by the teacher. Successful students will apply their language skills in a range of situations. A variety of oral and written examinations are used to assess students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

FRENCH B SL 1 (IB/UHS)

(1 CREDIT) 4 UHS, UALBANY, (AFRE 221)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of French 10 Pre-IB Accelerated.

This is the first year of a two-year preparation for the IB Language B exam in French. It is for students who intend to continue in the IB Diploma Program or earn an IB Certificate in French. Other interested students must seek permission of the instructor. This course is a college-level course conducted in a high school setting. The syllabus for this course is determined by the objectives and assessment criteria of the IB Language B course at the standard level, and that of the corresponding intermediate level course at UAlbany. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally emphasized and are taught and developed through the study of a range of authentic oral and written text chosen by the teacher. A variety of oral and written examinations are used to assess students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

SPANISH B SL 1 (IB/UHS)

(1 CREDIT)

4 UHS CREDITS, UALBANY, (ASPN 200)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of Spanish 10 Pre-IB Accelerated.

This is the first year of a two-year preparation for the IB Language B exam in Spanish. It is for students who intend to continue in the IB Diploma Program or earn an IB Certificate in Spanish. Other interested students must seek permission of the instructor. This course is a college-level course conducted in a high school setting. The syllabus for this course is determined by the objectives and assessment criteria of the IB Language B course at the standard level, and that of the corresponding intermediate level course at UAlbany. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally emphasized and are taught and developed through the study of a range of authentic oral and written text chosen by the teacher. A variety of oral and written examinations are used to assess students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

ARABIC IB AB INITIO SL 2

(1 CREDIT)

Prerequisite: Successful completion or Arabic IB ab initio SL 1

This course continues the IB Language ab Initio preparation in Arabic. Students will sit for the IB speaking exams in January or March and the written exam in May. Students will continue to develop a high level of proficiency essential for success on the International Baccalaureate ab Initio Exam. The continued development of critical thinking, speaking, writing, and reading in the language is mandatory and is focused around the study of several IB suggested global themes including an appreciation of world cultures. The scope and diversity of supporting materials are determined by the instructor in order to provide students with the skills necessary for the component parts of the IB exam enabling students to successfully achieve the IB Diploma or Certificate.

FRENCH B SL 2 (IB/UHS)

(1 CREDIT) 4 UHS, UALBANY, (AFRE 221)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of French B SL 1 IB /UHS.

This course is a college level course conducted in a high school setting. This course continues the IB Language B preparation in French. Students will sit for the IB speaking exams in January or March and the written exam in May. Students will continue to develop a high level of proficiency essential for success on the International Baccalaureate Exam at the Standard Level. The continued development of critical thinking, speaking, writing, and reading in the language is mandatory and is focused around the study of several IB suggested global themes including an appreciation of world cultures. The scope and diversity of supporting materials are determined by the instructor in order to provide students with the skills necessary for the component parts of the IB exam and fulfill course requirements for the corresponding intermediate level language course at UAlbany.

SPANISH B SL 2 (IB/UHS)

(1 CREDIT)

3 UHS CREDITS, UALBANY, (ASPN 201)

Prerequisite: Average of 80 or better in the first three quarters of Spanish B SL 1 11 IB/UHS .

This course is a college level course conducted in a high school setting. This course continues the IB Language B preparation in Spanish. Students will sit for the IB speaking exams in January or March and the written exam in May. Students will continue to develop a high level of proficiency essential for success on the International Baccalaureate Exam at the Standard Level. The continued development of critical thinking, speaking, writing, and reading in the language is mandatory and is focused around the study of several IB suggested global themes including an appreciation of world cultures. The scope and diversity of supporting materials are determined by the instructor in order to provide students with the skills necessary for the component parts of the IB exam and fulfill course requirements for the corresponding intermediate level language course at UAlbany.