Spanish, Ojibwe and American Sign Language are offered at Brainerd High School as yearlong, second language courses. Many colleges have an entrance requirement; most recommend two consecutive years of successful high school language study. Check with the colleges in which you are interested to review their specific entrance and exit requirements. Juniors and seniors in Spanish Year III or higher may have the opportunity to participate (at their own expense) in a trip abroad, including a family stay in a Spanish-speaking country. The Bilingual Seal of Biliteracy is offered in ASL & Spanish for upper-level language students. College credit may be attained through CIS Spanish III and AP Spanish Language and Culture. In addition, The Bilingual Seal of Biliteracy is also an opportunity to earn post secondary credit. Spanish and Ojibwe are offered in person only and ASL is offered in person and also online through Brainerd Online School.
American Sign Language Courses
In Person: 131512, 131513
Online: 135512, 135513
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Recommended: 2.5 GPA
Students will learn essential building blocks for ASL Communication and the basic difference linguistically between English and ASL. They will present information, be able to describe content and communicate ideas in ASL. The coursework includes; receptive and expressive activities, expressive video projects, self-evaluation of video projects, vocabulary development, grammar/facial expression, sentence structure, fingerspelling, conversational behaviors and awareness of Deaf culture. This is an advantageous course in any career path you decide to follow such as, medical, law enforcement or interpretation.
Recommended: “C" average or above in ASL I
Students will build on their ASL 1 Foundation by increased rigor with exposure to a variety of topics and situations. The coursework includes receptive and expressive activities, expressive video projects, self-evaluation of video projects, vocabulary expansion, a greater in-depth learning of culturally navigating everyday encounters, and using ASL outside the classroom to participate in Deaf community eventsOnline: 135534, 135535
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Recommended: “C" average or above in ASL II
Students will build on their ASL II Foundation by increased rigor with exposure to a variety of topics and situations. The coursework includes receptive and expressive activities, expressive video projects, self-evaluation of video projects, vocabulary expansion, a greater in-depth learning of culturally navigating everyday encounters, and using ASL outside the classroom to participate in Deaf community events.
Spanish Courses
Course: 131510, 131511
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Recommended: 2.5 GPA
First year language is designed to develop essential skills in the areas of conversation, writing, and reading. Emphasis is on understanding and responding in the target language. Grammatical structures studied provide the necessary foundation for continued study. Cultural study is included to enrich the overall understanding of the language.
Course: 131520, 131521
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Recommended: “C" average or above in Spanish I
Students are able to use their knowledge of the language largely by expanding and improving their communication. Skills learned in the first year are increased with emphasis that is more grammatical. Supplementary materials are used to facilitate learning and enhance cultural insights.
Course: 131530, 131531
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Prerequisite: Spanish II
Recommended: “C" average or above in Spanish II
Third year Spanish gives the student the opportunity to refine the skills they have already developed and through advanced grammar study, short readings, oral skill practice, and cultural studies, the third year student begins to reach limited proficiency in the target language. Four college credits will be awarded through CLC at the end of the spring semester, for those earning a C or above.
Course: 131542, 131543
Grade Level: 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Prerequisite: Spanish III
Recommended: “C" average or above in Spanish III
In the Advanced Placement course, students will continue to improve all aspects of language learning, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Class discussions, literature, writings, history, and culture offer the basis for vocabulary, speaking, and grammar lessons. Regular oral and written assignments are required.
Indigenous Courses
Course: 131600
*Only offered Fall Semester
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
This introductory course explores Native American history and culture, focusing on the Ojibwe language (Ojibwemowin). Students will develop foundational language skills through active learning, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course will cover key grammatical concepts while utilizing the double vowel system of Ojibwemowin. By engaging with the language, students will gain valuable insights into Ojibwe cultural identities and worldviews.
Course: 131600
*Only offered Spring Semester
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: IILC I
This course builds upon previous learning in Native American history and culture, with a continued focus on the Ojibwe language (Ojibwemowin). Students will expand their vocabulary and grammatical proficiency through active language use, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course utilizes the double vowel system of Ojibwemowin language. By deepening their engagement with the language, students will gain further insights into the formation and transmission of Ojibwe cultural identities and worldviews.