The Needham Public Schools World Languages Program is a proficiency-focused inclusive program. We believe all students can become proficient communicators in a language other than English. We recognize that language learning is a developmental skill and that children will advance at their own pace through the stages of acquisition. We seek to nurture students’ language skill development and cultural knowledge in order to prepare students for graduation, college, and to be socially and culturally responsive contributors to their communities.
We offer Spanish in grades K-12, French in grades 7-12, Mandarin in grades 7-12 and Latin in grades 9-12.
In grade 7, a student may choose to:
Begin French
Begin Mandarin
Begin Spanish (Spanish 7A - no previous study)
Continue with Spanish from grade 6 (Spanish 7)
Language study in grades 7 and 8 serves as the foundation for entry into Level 2 at Needham High School. There are also Level 1 options available at NHS.
No. Language study is not an elective, though a student can choose which language to study beginning in grade 7 and again in grade 9. In order to graduate from NHS, a student must complete at least two years of the same world language in high school. More competitive universities seek at least three years of world language study and most competitive universities seek four years. (See: MassCore, Resources, Framework)
No. At the elementary level, we may defer a student’s language study for a period of time in order to enable the student to receive a combination of additional academic and/or SEL interventions that together, do not fit within the schedule of the school day. In order to ensure the least restrictive environment and equitable access to learning experiences, we seek to address the needs of the learner and then support the student’s transition back to Spanish class.
At the secondary level, waivers are considered on a unique, case by case basis for students with a diagnosed severe language-based learning disability. Our interest is to make world language class accessible to every learner and ensure that all students have the supports they need to thrive. When a waiver is requested, a team meets to review the student’s test scores, academic performance, and reflect upon the extent to which the student has demonstrated growth in language class. The Director of World Languages will also consult with the student and guardians directly to explain the possible implications of a waiver. The decision will ultimately be made by the Director of Special Education and the Director of World Languages.
Yes. We are structuring our curriculum and assessments to enable students flexibility to transition from one learning pace to another based on their needs and readiness.
No. Students demonstrate their developing novice-level knowledge and skills by engaging in a range of age and proficiency appropriate tasks. Teachers provide feedback about students’ progress relative to the learning targets through projects, rubrics, and one-on-one growth mindset focused conversations with students, as well as through conversations with families and homeroom teachers.
According to the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) novice range language learners are understood by sympathetic listeners and readers. Correspondingly students’ language production is not evaluated based on accuracy but rather based on comprehensibility. We celebrate students’ attempts, perseverance and emphasize a growth mindset.
Students do not receive grades in world language until grade 6.