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Mission Statement
The goal of the Farmingdale World Language program is to prepare young people for meaningful interactions with those in and beyond their community and to foster an enthusiasm and appreciation for languages and cultures.
World language skills are both career skills and essential life skills. Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students grow into thoughtful, capable global citizens. Through engaging instruction and cultural exploration, we aim to inspire a lifelong appreciation for languages and the diverse cultures they represent. Our goal is to open doors to new perspectives, foster global understanding, and empower students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Plus, knowing another language is a great asset when it comes to future careers. It can give students a real advantage in today’s global economy.
World Language Department Philosophy
Program
At Howitt Middle School, language learning begins in seventh grade. Students may select to study French, Italian, Heritage Spanish, or Spanish. We encourage students to choose a language not spoken at home, as it will open their minds to new ways of thinking and communicating. Students study the same language in seventh and eighth grades. When they complete their second year of a language at the end of eighth grade, they take a Proficiency Test and have the opportunity to earn a high school credit.
When they get to high school, American Sign Language is also available for study. High school students pursuing a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation can fulfill the world language requirement by earning 3.0 credits in a language and passing the Checkpoint B exam, typically administered at the end of Level 3 in tenth grade. For those who continue into advanced language study, Level 5 offers the opportunity to earn up to six college credits through a partnering institution, for a fee. This valuable option allows students to get a head start on college while still in high school.
Curriculum Overview
NYS World Language Standards have been updated and revised by the New York State Education Department to ensure that students learn the importance of appreciating other cultures and find success in our global economy. The revised standards are being phased in year by year, and began with the 2023-2024 school year. The World Language Department has been making changes to the program to align with the new standards and ensure that language learning is fully accessible to all students. We are ready to meet the new standards as they are phased in, because we are adapting our curricula to meet the modernized aims of the program.
Standard Elements of the NYS World Language Standards
Language functions in the World Language Classroom
Overview of the national World Language Readiness Standards (video)
Levels of Proficiency and Common Assessments
Students are assessed on their levels of proficiency using shared rubrics that are aligned with NYS Proficiency levels. Students' grades and scores are based on these department-level rubrics. To learn more about proficiency levels and the timing of assessments, follow the links below.
Farmingdale Alignment to NYS Curriculum and When Key Assessments Occur
An example of language progression
Benchmarks for NOVICE Levels of Proficiency (Checkpoint A; through to the end of 8th grade)
Benchmarks for INTERMEDIATE Levels of Proficiency (Checkpoints B and C; Level 2 - College Level)
Benchmarks for INTERCULTURAL Communication (All levels)
NYSED Communication Standards for Checkpoints A, B, and C
Focus of Instruction
Middle School
High School
Level 4 World Languages*
Level 5 - College World Languages*
Grades 9 & 10 Heritage Spanish
Grades 11 & 12 Heritage Spanish*
*See pages 32-33 of the FHS Curriculum Guide for information about our course offerings.
NYS Seal of Biliteracy
Farmingdale’s World Language program is aligned with the NYS World Language Standards and its associated proficiency benchmarks. Students move through a progression of achievement levels in both culture and language. In their senior year, students who reach the Intermediate-High level of proficiency may prepare for and attempt to earn the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. This prestigious seal recognizes and applauds students' achievements in a new language. Students must demonstrate Intermediate-High proficiency in English and another language, as well as in culture standards, to be eligible for this distinction. Successful completion of all NYS Seal of Biliteracy requirements results in students earning a seal on their diploma, an annotation on their transcripts, and a graduation cord.
NYS Seal of Biliteracy Eligibility Criteria
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