JH World Languages Courses
World Languages
When considering which language to study in high school, parents and students should take into account the fact that motivation is the most important factor in a student’s success. Brain research confirms that acquiring any second language makes it easier to acquire a third and a fourth, so starting with a language that has high interest for the student is key. Continuing to improve proficiency in the original language of study will become an intrinsic endeavor and improve the ability to learn more languages as they become interesting or important for future career choices. In the end, students must be ready to work in a highly competitive international economic environment and being able to communicate in another language is an important edge.
At least 2.0 units of credit gathered from the study of a language other than English should be in the same language. A concentration in an additional second language may be considered a specialization component.
Credit for courses in languages other than English taken in grades 7 and 8 count toward graduation credit, but do not affect the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).
World Language Level I - 7, 8
Grade: 7, 8 Credit: 1
RISD: 6101 French PEIMS: 03410100
6001 Spanish 03440100
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: A&H
UIL Exempt Course
The primary focus of a Level I class is to develop listening and reading comprehension in students, while developing early speaking and writing skills. To meet this end, 80%-100% of the class must be conducted in the target language. Students will read, listen to, and interpret text and audio resources in the target language; and speak and write using very basic language. This course satisfies Level 1 LOTE requirement for high school graduation.
World Language Level II - 7, 8
Grade: 7, 8 Credit: 1
RISD: 6116 French PEIMS: 03410200
6020 Spanish 03440200
Prerequisite: Level I or VOC Exam
Endorsement: A&H
The primary focus of Level II classes is to bring all students to at least a novice-high level of proficiency. A large portion of the curriculum is focused on strategies that develop interpretive skills, with an additional focus on speaking and writing. To meet this end, 85%-100% of the class must be conducted in the target language. This course satisfies Level 1 LOTE requirement for high school graduation.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 - 7, 8
Grade: 7, 8 Credit: 1 - full year
RISD: PEIMS: 3440220
Prerequisite: 6th grade placement exam or completion of the dual language program
Endorsement: Arts and Humanities
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 is specifically designed for students who demonstrate oral language proficiency in the Spanish language. This course provides opportunities for improvement in Spanish literacy through the study of phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, reading, writing, Hispanic culture, and cultural pride and awareness. This course is enhanced with a variety of print, digital, audio, and audiovisual materials to support language development. Students will have the opportunity to progress to Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3 the following year and continue to advanced levels of language study, if they wish. Students in Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 are expected to reach a novice high to intermediate low of language proficiency at completion of study.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3 - 7, 8
Grade: 7, 8 Credit: 1 full year
RISD: 6025 PEIMS: 03440330
Prerequisite: 6th Grade Placement Exam
Endorsement: A&H, MD
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3 is specifically designed for students whose native or heritage language is Spanish and who demonstrate Spanish language proficiency. This course develops students' proficiency in the Spanish language and emphasizes accurate and effective communication through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations. This includes the study of complex grammatical structures, vocabulary, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Students are expected to reach an intermediate-low to intermediate-mid level of language proficiency at completion of study. Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to continue to Spanish for Spanish Speakers 4.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 4 - 8
Grade: 8 Credit: 1 full year
RISD: PEIMS: 03440440
Prerequisite: Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3
Endorsement: A&H, MD
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 4 is specifically designed for students whose native or heritage language is Spanish and who demonstrate Spanish language proficiency. This course emphasizes communication in the Spanish language through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cutural awareness. Students in Spanish for Spanish Speakers 4 are expected to reach an intermediate-mid to intermediate-high level of proficiency at completion of study. Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to continue to AP Spanish Language and Culture.