F.A.Q.
The Needham Public Schools World Languages Program is a proficiency-focused inclusive program. We believe all children 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.
When do students start taking a world language in Needham?
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.
Is world language study considered an elective?
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)
Are there general waivers to exempt a child from world language?
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.
Can students move to a faster or slower “pace” at NHS one year to the next?
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.
Are there grades for Spanish in elementary school?
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.
What is Latin and what are some common misconceptions?
What Latin Is
Latin is for everyone! All students can be successful Latin Scholars. See information on the back of this sheet about selecting the pace for you.
Since Latin isn’t taught in grades K-8, everyone comes in with a clean slate. Some students find a “fresh start” appealing.
We offer 4 years of Latin in Levels 1-4. We do not offer an AP course.
Emphasis on daily group work and collaboration.
Latin at Needham High includes developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Latin. Listening, speaking and writing are all used to support our ultimate goals of reading and translation.
In Latin, students learn Latin grammar, vocabulary (approximately 300 vocab words seen by end of Latin 1), and do translation activities.
The study of Latin helps with English grammar, vocab, and writing ability. Students study derivatives (English words that come from Latin). Did you know approximately 60% of English has Latin roots? Wow!
Students study Roman culture and make interdisciplinary connections to American culture/history, art, science, mathematics, engineering, etc.
The study of Latin can help students better understand Romance Languages.
What Latin Isn't
Latin is not only for learners who study at the Honors and Accelerated pace. We also offer Latin at the College Prep pace.
Success in Spanish, French or Mandarin has little association with students’ performance in Latin. Pace is important. See information on the back of this sheet for guidelines on pace selection.
Latin isn’t only about reading and translation. Latin students at NHS will learn to speak, listen and write in Latin, as well.
While the study of Latin can help students’ English grammar, reading and writing skills, there is no longer a strong connection between Latin and the SAT.
Latin today is not taught the same way it was 5-10 years ago, let alone 30-40 years ago! Latin today is taught (and studied) more and more like a modern language. Exciting!