ENL and

World Languages

English as a New Language (ENL) Education at Shen (K-12)

Shenendehowa is proud of the rich diversity of its students. There are over 50 different languages spoken by our students and their families, and our population of English Language Learners (ELLs) grows each year.

English as a New Language (ENL) is a specialized instructional approach designed for students whose first language is not English. Trained and certified ENL teachers use methods, techniques and materials designed specifically to meet the needs of English Language Learners.

At all levels, students may be enrolled in Stand-Alone ENL courses or Integrated ENL/ELA courses, depending upon their English proficiency level. This level is determined by two assessments: The New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL), for students entering New York State for the first time; and the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT), which assesses students’ progress at the end of each school year.

The ENL curriculum is aligned with both the New York State English Language Arts Standards and ENL Learning Standards.

ENL Courses

English as a New Language (ENL)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

All students who come from a home in which a language other than English is spoken are screened according to Part 154 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. Students who score below a pre-determined score on the NYSITELL exam are enrolled in ENL classes based on their proficiency level. Students take the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in May to determine continued eligibility. The curricular emphasis is on building reading skills, listening comprehension, oral expression, and writing for literary and technical purposes. These skills will enhance students’ ability to use English, allowing them to fully participate in a rigorous academic environment.

Integrated ENL/ELA

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course combines grade-level English curriculum with English as a New Language strategies. This course helps students to develop the literacy skills needed for success in college and career, and to succeed on the NYS Comprehensive English Regents exam.

World Languages at Shen (7-12)

The profile of a Shen graduate states that graduates will be "Globally Competent Persons -- who value and respect different people, expressions and experiences and use creativity to define and solve problems from a larger context." The World Language courses at Shen look to give students an experience that will help achieve this goal. In all language courses, students will work to build on their language proficiency level as well as learn about cultural products and practices and will relate them to cultural perspectives. Students will compare what they have learned to make cultural comparisons.

World Language coursework is aligned to NYS Learning Standards and are taught with a proficiency based focus.

Requirements

To fulfill the NYS World Language requirement to earn a Regents Diploma, students shall earn at least one (1) unit of credit in a world language.
Students must successfully complete 2 units of study in grades 7 +8 and pass a Checkpoint A Examination by the end of Grade 8 OR pass one (1) high school world language course to fulfill the graduation requirement. All students must begin language study by Grade 8.
Students pursuing a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation must complete three (3) units of study of a world language and pass a Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination.
Students pursuing a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation may select a five-unit pathway in the Arts or Career and Tech Education in lieu of a three-unit sequence in World Languages. HOWEVER, these students are still required to fulfill one (1) unit of high school credit in world languages to fulfill the graduation requirement.
Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to begin study of German, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese in 2024-25. We plan to offer beginner courses in French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese in 2025-26.

World Languages Offered:

Chinese
French
German
Latin
Spanish

Course Progressions

Chinese 1, 2
French 2, College French 3, College French 4, College French 5
German 2, College German 3, College German 4, College German 5
Latin 2, College Latin 3, College Latin 4, College Latin 5
Spanish 2, College Spanish 3, College Spanish 4, College Spanish 5.

(+ HVCC tuition is approximately $210, set by the college, and subject to change.)

College-bound students

Students planning to attend a 4-year college should strongly consider taking four years of language in high school. Proficiency in another language is highly useful and/or required for those anticipating pursuing careers in the following areas:

Tourism/Hospitality
Engineering
Government/Politics
Banking & Finance
Art or Music
Translation
Teaching
Journalism/Publishing
Scientific Research

NYS Seal of Biliteracy

The NYS Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) is a nationally recognized award for students who can demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language, by meeting criteria set forth by the Seal of Biliteracy Committee. Successful candidates receive a designation on their high school transcript, a seal on their diploma, and a medal to wear at graduation. The NYSSB is an impressive statement of accomplishment to share with future employers and college admissions officers. For more information, visit the Shen NYSSB website.

WorldLanguages6_12Progression

World Language Courses

Latin 1-2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed for students who wish to expand their academic background by studying Latin. They will complete two levels of Latin in this course to be prepared for College Latin 3. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, Greek and Roman mythology, as well as related areas of cultural awareness will be studied.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in grades 10-12 who are successful in another world language course.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another world language course or successful completion of Checkpoint B requirements in another world language. Transfer students with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Those students entering grade 10 who have never studied a world language and need to complete their unit of credit required for graduation may also take this course, with the permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Note: This course will be offered during the 2024-2025 school year.

Latin 2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

Included in this course will be the continued study of vocabulary and the structure of the language as well as mythology and other areas of cultural awareness associated with the language.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Latin 2 is for students who have completed the middle school Latin program.

A school final exam is administered in June.

College Latin 3 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC LATN101)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option

Course Description

The course will include a more advanced study of the structural analysis of Latin with continued emphasis on Roman civilization and culture, and Roman and Greek mythology.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 75% in Latin 2 or Latin 1-2.

A Comprehensive Checkpoint B examination will be administered in June. Students must pass this exam in order to earn world language credit toward a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

College Latin 4.webm

College Latin 4 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC LATN 200)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy pathway

Course Description

This advanced course consists of a variety of components: etymology and word derivation, introduction to the Romance languages, Latin dialogues, Roman art and architecture, monuments of Ancient Rome, reading a Greek and a Latin play in translation, Latin literature, and mythology. Students will make connections between the classical world and modern western culture.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: College Latin 3 and a passing grade on the Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination. For HVCC enrollment, a final average of not less than 80% in College Latin 3 is required.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

College Latin 5.webm

College Latin 5 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC LATN 201)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy pathway

Course Description

College Latin 5 will engage students in four major inquiries during the course of the year, all focusing on the impact of the ancient world on modern-day society and human nature. Roman authors and texts will be explored in depth, focusing on the specific structures and style. Scansion and figures of speech will be investigated in context to give deeper meaning to the passages read.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: College Latin 4. In order to take this class for HVCC credit, a student must have successfully earned college credit for College Latin 4.

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 80% in College Latin 4.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

French 1-2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed for students who wish to expand their academic background by studying French. They will complete two levels of French in this course to be prepared for College French 3. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as Francophone culture will be studied.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in grades 10-12 who are successful in another world language course.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another world language course or successful completion of Checkpoint B requirements in another world language. Transfer students with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Those students entering Grade 10 who have never studied a world language and need to complete their unit of credit required for graduation may also take this course, with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Note: This course will NOT be offered during the 2024-25 school year. It will be offered again during the 2025-26 school year.

French 2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This French course is for students who have completed the middle school program. Emphasis is on developing strong communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The culture of the Francophone world is explored as students study a variety of topics. Students may participate in the PEACE Program (Partners in Educational and Cultural Exchange), our exchange program with Lycée Genevoix in Montrouge, France.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

French 2 is for students who have completed the middle school French program.

A school final exam is administered in June.

College French 3 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC FREN 101)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option

Course Description

As a continuation of the progression of courses begun in French, the goal of this course is to further develop communicative proficiency using current idiomatic French. There is continued practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. French culture is taught through dialogues, readings and video presentations.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 75% in French 2 or French 1-2.

A Comprehensive Checkpoint B examination will be administered in June. Students must pass this exam in order to earn world language credit toward a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

College French 4 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC FREN 200)

1 Year/1 Unit, + College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy pathway

Course Description

This advanced course offers instruction in advanced grammar and composition in conjunction with HVCC curriculum standards. Students will cover a variety of topics designed to meet their interests and talents. They will read short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, prepare frequent written and oral exposés, and watch and discuss video presentations. A study of one major literary work is required. The course is conducted in French. Students may participate in the PEACE Program (Partners in Educational and Cultural Exchange), our exchange program with Lycée Genevoix in Montrouge, France.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 80% in College French 3.

Requirement: College French 3 and a passing grade on the Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination. For HVCC enrollment, a final average of not less than 80% in College French 3 is required.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

College French 5 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC FREN 201)

1 Year/1 Unit, + College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy pathway

Course Description

College French 5 will advance and extend the students’ communicative proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course builds on students’ previous knowledge to expand and refine their ability to express themselves in French, both orally and in writing. Culture continues to play a central role, as does reading. Students read a variety of short texts as well as a work chosen by the instructor. Students are introduced to the Hegelian method of argumentation, with the associated reading, writing, speaking and listening components all involved. Students are expected to understand the method and use it in French all year long.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 80% in College French 4.

Requirement: College French 4. In order to take this class for HVCC credit, a student must have successfully earned college credit for College French 4.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

German 1-2 Project.mp4

German 1-2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed for students who wish to expand their academic background by studying German. They will complete two levels of German in this course to be prepared for College German 3. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as the culture of German speaking areas will be studied.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in grades 10-12 who are successful in another world language course.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another world language course or successful completion of Checkpoint B requirements in another world language. Transfer students with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Those students entering grade 10 who have never studied a world language and need to complete their unit of credit required for graduation may also take this course, with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Note: This course will be offered during the 2024-25 school year.

German 2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

For students who have completed the middle school German program, this course offers further study of German language and culture with continuing emphasis on communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

German 2 is for students who have completed the middle school German program.

A school final exam is administered in June.

College German 3 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC GERM 101)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option

Course Description

The goal of the College German 3 course is to further develop communicative proficiency using current idiomatic German. There is continued practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. German culture is embedded throughout thematic units. Opportunities for a German Exchange (German American Partnership Program) are available at the end of German 2 or 3.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 75% in German 2 or German 1-2.

A Comprehensive Checkpoint B examination will be administered in June. Students must pass this exam in order to earn world language credit toward a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

College German 4 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC GERM 200)

1 Year/1 Unit, + College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway

Course Description

This advanced course is designed to offer enrolled students a study of a variety of topics in order to meet their interests and talents. This includes a grammar review and writing assignments in combination with the study of German literature, art, music, history and contemporary social issues. Audio/video presentations and guest speakers supplement the curriculum.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: College German 3 and a passing grade on the Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination. For HVCC enrollment, a final average of not less than 80% in College German 3 is required.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

College German 5 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC GERM 201)

1 Year/1 Unit, + College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway

Course Description

College German 5 will advance and extend the students’ communicative proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course builds on students’ previous knowledge to expand and refine their ability to express themselves in German, both orally and in writing. Culture continues to play a central role, as does reading. Students read a variety of short texts as well as a work chosen by the instructor.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 80% in College German 4.

Requirement: College German 4. In order to take this class for HVCC credit, a student must have successfully earned college credit for College German 4.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

Spanish 1 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed for students who did not complete two years of language study in grades 7 and 8, and transfer students who have not yet earned the one high school credit in second language required for a Regents diploma. The objectives of the course are to develop basic communication skills in Spanish and to present to students the varieties of culture of the Hispanic world. A broad variety of vocabulary and structures of the language will prepare students to use Spanish for the purposes of basic oral and written communication. Elements of the geography, history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world are included.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

A school final examination will be administered in June.

Spanish 1-2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed for students who wish to expand their academic background by studying Spanish. They will complete two levels of Spanish in this course to be prepared for College Spanish 3. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as Hispanic culture will be studied.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in grades 10-12 who are successful in another world language course.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another world language course or successful completion of Checkpoint B requirements in another world language. Transfer students, and those students entering Grades 9-12 who have never studied a world language and need to complete their unit of credit required for graduation, may also take this course with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

*Note: This course will be offered at High School West in the 2024-25 school year, as an option for students entering grade 9 who have never studied a world language and need to complete their unit of credit required for graduation.

Spanish 2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is for students who have successfully completed the middle school Spanish program. The emphasis in this course is on continued development of communicative skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and the study of Hispanic culture.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Spanish 2 is for students who have completed the two-year middle school Spanish program, or Spanish 1 in grade 9.

A school final exam is administered in June.

Copy of College Spanish 3 Course Video .mp4

College Spanish 3 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC SPAN 101)

1 Year/1 Unit, +College Credit Option

Course Description

College Spanish 3 is designed for the student who has successfully completed Spanish 2 or 1-2. Its goal is the development of communicative proficiency using current idiomatic Spanish. There is continued practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Spanish culture is taught through dialogues, readings, and video presentations.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 75% in Spanish 2 or Spanish 1-2.

A Comprehensive Checkpoint B examination will be administered in June. Students must pass this exam in order to earn world language credit toward a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

College Spanish 4 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC SPAN 200)

1 Year/1 Unit, + College Credit Option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway

Course Description

College Spanish 4s is a course designed for the student who has successfully completed College Spanish 3 and wishes to continue the study of Spanish at an advanced level. Students will read a variety of literary works, discuss films, and prepare oral and written reports and projects. There is further instruction in grammar and composition. The course of study is challenging and demands advanced use of the language while allowing for creativity of expression and utilizing a variety of resources. The course is conducted in Spanish.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: College Spanish 3 and a passing grade on the Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination. For HVCC enrollment, a final average of not less than 80% in College Spanish 3 is required.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

A workbook is required for this course.*

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

College Spanish 5 (NCAA Core)

(HVCC SPAN 201)

1 Year/1 Unit , + College credit option, *NYS Seal of Biliteracy Pathway

Course Description

College Spanish 5 will advance and extend the students’ communicative proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course builds on students’ previous knowledge to expand and refine their ability to express themselves in Spanish, both orally and in writing. Culture continues to play a central role, as does reading. Students read a variety of short texts as well as a work chosen by the instructor. Additionally, Spanish culture and language will be explored through the study of films from the Spanish-speaking world.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Requirement: College Spanish 4. In order to take this class for HVCC credit, a student must have successfully earned college credit for College Spanish 4.

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 80% in College Spanish 4.

+As an option, students are eligible to receive college credit through the Hudson Valley Community College. In conjunction with HVCC standards and with a final average of C and tuition payment of $70 per credit hour, students will receive 3 credits on an HVCC transcript. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may be eligible for a scholarship through HVCC to waive the full cost of tuition.

*Successful completion of this course will fulfill some of the required components of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy Diploma Designation.

Chinese Classes Promo video Mrs. Hou.mp4

Chinese 1 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

Designed for students who would like to begin the study of Mandarin Chinese, this course is an introduction to the Chinese language and culture. Students will develop basic communication skills in the Mandarin dialect of Chinese and learn a minimum number of modern Chinese characters. Study of the geography, history and the culture of China is integral to this course and serves as an introduction to the Eastern perspective. This rigorous course will be available to those students who have successfully completed the Checkpoint B Examination in another language, or those who are concurrently enrolled in an intermediate-level language course.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in grades 10-12

A school final examination will be administered in June.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in another world language course OR successful completion of Checkpoint B requirements in another world language.

Chinese 2 (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course offers a further study of Chinese with continued emphasis on strengthening skills in listening and speaking, with an increased emphasis on reading and writing.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Open to students in Grade: 11-12

A school final examination will be administered in June.

Recommendation: A final average of not less than 75% in Chinese I. Heritage speakers of Chinese will be considered with permission of the WL/ENL Academic Administrator.

Each One, Teach One (EOTO) (Elective Course)

1 Semester/.5 Unit

Course Description

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the field of education through the lens of World Languages. Students will learn about fundamental skills and tools for teaching and then students will apply what they have learned by completing a student-teaching placement at the middle school. During the placement, EOTO students will work closely with a middle school world language teacher and assist and or teach mini lessons (~20-30 minutes) 2-3 times per week. On days that students are not at the middle school, they will continue to meet with the classroom teacher at the high school to reflect on their teaching, and develop subsequent lesson plans.