World Language

In an increasingly interdependent world, the ability to communicate in languages other than English is an integral part of all students’ educational experience. The primary aims of world language instruction are to develop functional communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language, to broaden the students’ understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and to provide students with additional skills which will be useful in career selection.

French I, Italian I, Spanish I

1 year/1 credit

This course is for students who have not studied a second language or who have not received a credit for studying a second language previously during their middle school years. These courses will emphasize the communicative language proficiencies of listening, speaking, reading and writing in contextual settings. Cultural concepts of the target language studied will be integrated into all communicative skills. This course satisfies the one-credit requirement necessary to graduate from high school and meets the New York State Standards for Communication and Culture in French, Italian and Spanish at the Checkpoint A Level.

Prerequisite: None

French II, Italian II, Spanish II

1 year/1 credit

This course is for students who have completed one credit of the language they are studying. The objectives for these courses are to increase speaking, listening and reading comprehension skills, and develop correctness of written expression in the target language. Students will be able to understand and talk about informational bulletins, interact with providers of common public services, and elicit facts, feelings and attitudes in correspondence from peers and adults. They will also be able to demonstrate the conventions of formal and informal written expression. In addition, students will broaden their understanding and appreciation of cultures other than their own. Students will receive the necessary level of preparation required to help them meet with success in their post-Checkpoint B courses.

Prerequisite: One high school credit in World Language.

French III, Italian III, Spanish III

1 year/1 credit

This course is for students who have completed two credits of the language they are studying. Students will demonstrate communicative proficiencies in speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as cultural concepts of the target language studied. In addition, students will continue to broaden their understanding and appreciation of cultures other than their own. Students will complete the language proficiencies for the New York State Standards for Communication and Culture. The FLACS B assessment will be administered to all students enrolled in these courses.

Prerequisite: Two high school credits in world language.

French IV, Italian IV, Spanish IV

(Grade 1): 1 year/1 credit

This course is for students in the 11th grade who have completed three years of the language they are studying and have passed FLACS B assessment. The objectives for these courses are to increase auditory and reading comprehension. In addition, the culture of many countries will be studied in depth. The course content will incorporate Checkpoint C proficiencies from the New York State Standard for Communication and Culture. Students may also opt to register concurrently for a college-credit course which receives credit through an accredited university.

Prerequisite: Three high school credits.

French IVA, Italian IVA, Spanish IVA

1 year/1 credit (w)

Students demonstrate the ability to converse on an advanced level in the target language commensurate with their experience, read nontechnical contemporary authentic materials and incorporate (in their written expression) idiomatic structures which reflect control of the syntax and morphology of the target language. Students will also demonstrate the ability to discuss and summarize (orally and in writing) plays, films, short stories and topics of cultural interest. The course content will incorporate Checkpoint C proficiencies from the New York State Standards for Communication and Culture. These courses will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exams on the next level of instruction. Students may also opt to register concurrently for a college-credit course which receives credit through an accredited university. Prerequisite: Three high school credits in world language.

French VA, Italian VA, Spanish VA

1 year/1 credit

Our Level V Language and Culture course is designed to elevate students’ language proficiency and deepen their understanding of the target language’s modern-day life, culture, politics and history. This course is conducted entirely in the target language and is intended for students who have completed four credits of their language of study. Students will work towards achieving oral and written fluency in the target language. They will actively engage in presentation, conversation and comprehension activities. In addition, students will explore a variety of cultural and literary readings, enhancing their ability to express themselves accurately and fluently, both orally and in writing. The course will also delve into the political and historical structures of the target culture’s society. To enhance critical thinking skills, students will leverage information and communication technologies, collaborating and problem- solving to gain insights into the global aspects of modern society in the target language’s region. The qualifying project for the NYS Seal of Biliteracy is an integrated assessment within the curriculum. Presentations of these projects to the Seal of Biliteracy Panel are held in the spring. Students in French V, Italian V and Spanish V may have the option to concurrently register for a college- credit course offered through an accredited university.

Prerequisite: World Language IV or IV ADV

French AP, Italian AP, Spanish AP

1 year/1 credit (w)

This comprehensive AP Spanish/Italian/ French course is designed to equip students for the challenging AP exam. Throughout the program, students will focus on elevating their proficiency in listening and reading, along with fostering advanced self- expression in both speaking and writing. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on in-depth grammar study and the acquisition of an enriched literary vocabulary. Intensive preparation is a key component, with literary works from Spanish-speaking communities and the exploration of impactful films integrated into the coursework. The qualifying project for the NYS Seal of Biliteracy is an integrated assessment within the curriculum. Presentations of these projects to the Seal of Biliteracy Panel are held in the spring. The culmination of the course involves all students undertaking the Advanced Placement Exam to showcase their language skills and cultural understanding.

Prerequisite: World Language IV ADV