World Language Program Overview
Kindergarten Through Grade 5: World Language Exposure
Why Two Languages?
Our K-5 World Language Exposure Program introduces students to both French and Spanish during their elementary years. This approach recognizes that early childhood is an optimal time for language learning while honoring our commitment to cultural inclusiveness and global citizenship.
How Does the Program at Asa Work?
Students follow one of two pathways:
Pathway A:
Grades K-2: French language and francophone cultures
Grades 3-5: Spanish language and Hispanic/Latino cultures
Pathway B:
Grades K-2: Spanish language and Hispanic/Latino cultures
Grades 3-5: French language and francophone cultures
Note: A child's pathway is determined by their grade level upon entry at Asa.
Program Schedule:
Students receive one approximately 35-minute lesson once every 4 days (equivalent to one-quarter of the school year for each grade level). This consistent exposure allows children to build language skills and cultural knowledge progressively throughout elementary school.
This exposure program is designed to build enthusiasm for language learning, cultural awareness, and foundational skills. Students gain conversational basics and cultural knowledge that prepare them for continued language study in middle and high school. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 do not receive a report card grade for Spanish or French.
Cultural Inclusiveness and Representation:
We are dedicated to fostering cultural inclusiveness and representation as essential pillars of language learning. We recognize that language is intricately connected to diverse cultures, and our curriculum embraces the exploration of cultural contexts, values, and perspectives associated with the language we study. Through our curriculum, we aim to cultivate cultural awareness, empathy, and respect among our students. By promoting inclusivity and representation, we empower our learners to engage meaningfully with the world and to become global citizens who appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity. This statement underscores our dedication to creating an enriching and culturally responsive learning environment where all students can thrive and broaden their perspectives through language education.
Technology Skills:
Instructional technology facilitates student learning and development of the skills needed to meet the priority learning standards in French and Spanish. In our K-5 World Language Exposure classes, instructional technology is used to increase student achievement and engagement with peers through a variety of learning platforms. These platforms allow students to collaborate, compete, and enhance their understanding.
Grade 6 French and Spanish
Building on Elementary Foundations
In Grade 6, students continue their world language journey by experiencing both French and Spanish at the middle school level. This transition year bridges elementary exposure with the more focused language study that begins in Grade 7.
How Does the Grade 6 Program Work?
Students take one quarter of French and one quarter of Spanish during the school year. Each class meets for 45 minutes every other day. This structure provides meaningful practice in both languages while allowing students to deepen the skills developed during their K-5 exposure.
Why This Approach for Grade 6?
Our Grade 6 World Language Program is designed to:
Review and enhance the language exposure skills taught in elementary school
Smooth the transition from elementary exposure to middle school language study
Provide experience with both languages before students make their Grade 7 choice
Build confidence as students move from exposure to more structured language learning
Early adolescents benefit from:
Reflective decision-making: Experiencing both languages helps students make informed choices about which language to pursue in Grade 7
Skill consolidation: Regular practice solidifies elementary learning and prepares students for deeper study
Increased independence: More structured classes develop study skills and self-directed learning habits
Supporting Informed Choices: By experiencing both languages at the middle school level, students can:
Reconnect with the language they studied most recently (Grades 3-5)
Refresh their memory of their first elementary language (Grades K-2)
Discover which language resonates most with their interests and learning style
Make a confident, informed decision about their Grade 7 language choice
Looking Ahead:
Beginning in Grade 7, students choose either French or Spanish to study for the year and continue with their chosen language throughout Grades 7 and 8.
Grades 7 and 8 World Language Learning Pathways
Choosing Your Language in Grade 7
After experiencing both French and Spanish in Kindergarten through Grade 6, students choose either French or Spanish to study beginning in Grade 7. This choice allows students to develop deeper proficiency in their selected language while building on the foundation established during their elementary and Grade 6 exposure.
How Does the Program Work?
Middle School (Grades 7 and 8): French 1 or Spanish 1 Over Two Years. By the end of Grade 8, students will have completed the equivalent of a full year-long Level 1 course.
Students complete French 1 or Spanish 1 across Grades 7 and 8, with classes meeting for approximately 40 minutes every other day.
Grade 7: First half of French 1 or Spanish 1
Grade 8: Second half of French 1 or Spanish 1
High School (Grades 9+): French 1 or Spanish 1 in One Year
Students complete French 1 or Spanish 1 in a single school year, with classes meeting for approximately 75 minutes every other day.
Students may begin their language study in Grade 9 or continue from middle school. High school students can also choose to study multiple languages simultaneously if desired.
Why Two Different Timelines?
Class Length Makes the Difference. The primary reason for the two-year middle school approach is instructional time.
Middle School: approximately 40-minute classes every other day
High School: approximately 75-minute classes every other day
Whether completed over two years (middle school) or one year (high school), French 1 and Spanish 1 cover the same content and skills.
High School World Language Learning Pathways
Building on Your Foundation: Students entering high school bring a strong foundation in world language learning from their K-8 experience. Whether you completed Level 1 in middle school (Grades 7-8) or are beginning your language journey in high school, our program offers clear pathways to proficiency, college credit opportunities, and the prestigious Maine Seal of Biliteracy.
Choosing Your Language: Students may study French, Spanish, or both languages during high school. If you completed a language in middle school, you'll continue with that language in Level 2. Students new to language study in high school can choose either French or Spanish to begin at Level 1.
Course Sequences
French Pathway
French I
French II
French III (eligible for National French Honor Society)
Honors French IV (Seal of Biliteracy opportunity)
Honors French V (AP exam and Seal of Biliteracy opportunities)
Spanish Pathway
Spanish IB or Spanish IA
Spanish IIB or Spanish IIA
Note: Spanish IIB is a conversation-based alternative that does not prepare students for Spanish III.
Honors Spanish III (eligible for Spanish Honor Society)
Honors Spanish IV (Seal of Biliteracy opportunity)
Honors Spanish V (AP exam and Seal of Biliteracy opportunities)
Assessments
Formative and summative assessments used to measure student progress towards the learning goals in listening, speaking, reading, writing include:
Oral exams, listening, and speaking assessments
Quizzes for grammar, vocabulary, verb tenses, parts or speech, and comprehension
Chapter Tests
Students in our higher level World Language classes are also assessed through written essays, stories, songs, journal entries, and presentations.
Students receive letter grades (A-F) starting in seventh grade and continuing through high school.
The Maine Seal of Biliteracy: The Maine Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious award that recognizes students who have attained proficiency in English and at least one additional world language by high school graduation. The seal appears on diplomas and transcripts, signaling to colleges and employers that students possess valuable multilingual skills. Seniors enrolled in levels IV or V French or Spanish may apply for the Maine Seal of Biliteracy. Orono High School also supports students in attaining language instruction and the Maine Seal of Biliteracy for languages beyond French and Spanish. Many of our advanced language students successfully earn the Maine Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating their high level of proficiency and commitment to language learning. Several Maine colleges and universities recognize the Seal of Biliteracy by awarding college credit for demonstrated language proficiency.
AP (Advanced Placement) Exam Success
Our advanced language students consistently demonstrate strong performance on AP French and AP Spanish Language exams. These exams are given at Orono High School and offer opportunities to:
Earn college credit while still in high school
Demonstrate advanced proficiency to college admissions offices
Potentially place into higher-level college language courses
Save time and money on college language requirements
Students in Honors French V and Honors Spanish V receive preparation and support for these rigorous exams.
Why Continue Language Study in High School?
Academic Benefits:
Earn college credit through AP exams and the Seal of Biliteracy
Strengthen cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and academic achievement
Stand out in college applications with advanced language proficiency
Cultural and Personal Growth:
Develop global citizenship and cultural competence
Connect with diverse communities locally and worldwide
Gain confidence communicating across languages and cultures
Career Advantages:
Open doors to careers in business, healthcare, education, government, and more
Qualify for multilingual employment benefits and opportunities
Develop skills employers value in our interconnected world
Unique Opportunities:
Participate in immersion workshops and potential travel experiences
Join National French or Spanish Honor Societies (Levels III+)
Engage with native speakers and authentic cultural materials
Experience classroom immersion at advanced levels