Level 1

This is a beginning level course which includes a study of basic communication skills, emphasizing listening and speaking. Some very basic fundamentals of grammar are learned, along with limited reading and writing. Culture and civilization are introduced throughout the year. Upon successful completion, students receive 1 unit of credit, and continue to levels 2R and 3R. This course is intended for students beginning the study of a world language for the first time.

Level 2

This course is for students who have completed level 1-BR, it presents some more complex structures of the basic language and expands on reading, writing and the cultural themes of the first level. Students work toward mastery of the key vocabulary, phrases and structures necessary for personal communication, and develop an appreciation of cross-cultural awareness.

Level 3

This course is a continuation of level 2. It is considered a checkpoint B course and it culminates in a required NYSED assessment. This course provides review and preparation for a locally developed exam which is required for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Students continue to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of the language through a variety of listening and speaking exercises. Reading and writing skills are developed through the use of authentic materials, short stories, and guided composition based on topics of interest to students. This course ends in a LOCALLY developed EXAM (FLACS). New York New York State Department of Education requires a three year sequence in a World Language (a language other than English) and successfully passing a locally developed exam. This exam is aligned to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) and New York State LOTE Standards.

Level 4

This course is taught almost entirely in the target language. Students are encouraged to put into practice the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing that were taught in levels 1-3. Communicative competence and oral proficiency are stressed. Literature may be introduced, and students are given practice in using reference materials in the language. Completion of this 4 year sequence will take the place of one 3 year elective sequence required for a Regents diploma. Students may opt to pay a reduced tuition fee to the University of Albany, and receive 4 college credits upon successful completion of the course. These credits can be transferred to any college in the SUNY system, and many other private schools. Prerequisite: a minimum score of 85 on the locally developed alternative state assessment in Spanish (FLACS).

Level 5

This course is a continuation of level 4 and its goal is to prepare the student for college work. Students may opt to pay the reduced tuition fee to SUNY, Albany, and, upon successful completion of the course, receive 4 college credits for the course which can then be transferred to the college of choice. This course is designed for students who are seriously interested in continuing the study of Spanish as a major or minor in college. Completion of this 5-year sequence will take the place of the two 3-year elective sequences required for a Regents diploma. This course offers an in-depth examination of culture and offers the option of a fifth year sequence of language outside of the A.P. track. This course is conducted almost entirely in the target language. This course examines culture while giving students exposure to real life applications of the language. Some literature may be introduced in the course as well. Exams and authentic assessment are utilized to evaluate student proficiency. Students will be challenged to demonstrate proficiency in the target language on a daily basis. Prerequisite: Level 4 of the Target language.

Advanced Placement

This course culminates in the A.P. exam given in May, which may grant a student A.P. college credit.

This course will allow students to develop A.P. level proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The AP Spanish class is conducted entirely in Spanish. In order to take this course, students must meet the AP criteria set by the World Languages Department. The Advanced Placement Spanish Language course is a specialized class designed for those students seeking college credit via the Advanced Placement exam in the Spanish language. The advanced student has previously demonstrated competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and has a fundamental knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. By year's end, students will aim to be accurate and fluent as they compose expository essays and express ideas orally and will use the Internet consistently in order to improve their aural and oral skills in preparation for AP language exam. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. This course includes a required summer assignment.