World Language
Meet Your Teacher
Angela Butler, MAT, MS Spanish
OHS GSA Advisor
she/her/ella
651-356-8617
SPANISH OVERVIEW:
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Spanish-speaking world in our Spanish 1-4 courses, designed to introduce you to and acquire the language through thematic cultural units and comprehensible input. Embark on a linguistic and cultural adventure with Spanish- where you will explore culture through comprehensible input. By the end of each course, you will not only possess basic/novice - intermediate/advanced language skills, but also a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking communities around the world. ¡Bienvenidos! (Welcome!)
Spanish 1
The Spanish 1 & Exploratory Spanish courses are perfect for beginners and emphasizes a communicative approach to language learning, allowing you to acquire language skills naturally and effectively. Throughout the course you will explore diverse cultural themes, each serving as a gateway to understanding the language in its authentic context. From vibrant celebrations and traditional customs to contemporary lifestyles and the dynamic element of music, the course will guide you through engaging topics that provide a deep insight into the cultural nuances of Spanish-speaking countries. ¡Bienvenidos a la aventura! (Welcome to the adventure!)
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th
Spanish 2
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 or instructor approval
Elevate your Spanish language skills and cultural awareness in Spanish 2 with comprehensible input. Building on the foundations laid in Spanish 1, this course continues to emphasize thematic cultural units and comprehensible input, offering an immersive experience that propels your language proficiency to the next level. This course is designed for those who have completed Spanish 1 or have a basic understanding of the language, ensuring a seamless transition into more advanced linguistic and cultural exploration. ¡Vamos a explorar juntos! (Let's explore together!)
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th
Spanish 3
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or instructor approval
Enhance your Spanish language proficiency in Spanish. The course builds upon foundational language skills by immersing students in thematic cultural units, offering a nuanced exploration of Spanish-speaking societies through the lens of language and culture. Emphasizing comprehensible input, this course is designed for learners who have completed Spanish 1 and 2 or have a comparable language background (heritage speakers and immersion students). By the end of the course, students will possess not only advanced language skills but also a heightened cultural awareness that prepares them for meaningful interactions within the global Spanish-speaking community. ¡Prepárate para sumergirte en el fascinante mundo hispanohablante! (Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating Spanish-speaking world!)
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 10th, 11th, & 12th
Spanish 4
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or instructor approval
Embark on a transformative linguistic and cultural journey with Spanish 4. Designed for advanced students who have successfully completed Spanish 3 or have equivalent language proficiency, this course integrates high-level language skills, deep cultural exploration, and focused preparation for the SEAL of Biliteracy test. Tailored instruction focuses on the specific skills assessed in the SEAL of Biliteracy test, including advanced reading comprehension, analytical writing, listening, and proficient speaking. Practice tests and feedback sessions prepare students for excellence. By the end of this course, students will not only achieve linguist mastery but also demonstrate a profound understanding of the cultural and global implications of Spanish proficiency, positioning themselves for success in the SEAL of Biliteracy test and beyond. ¡Prepárate para destacar en tu maestría del español y la cultura latina! (Get ready to excel in your mastery of Spanish and Latino culture!)
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 10th, 11th, & 12th
Why Take A World Language?
Why take a world language?
1. Students who completed 4 years of world language study scored more than 100 points higher on each section of the SAT than those who didn’t.
2. Most four-year colleges and universities require 2 years high school level world language (not including middle school levels) for college entrance.
3. World Language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.
4. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language.
5. Increased Career Possibilities:
-Business skills plus world language skills make an employee more valuable in the marketplace.
-Increasing numbers of jobs now require people who are capable of interacting in languages other than English and can adapt to a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Acceptance to the University
Did you know that most universities, including the University of Minnesota, have a holistic admission process where they review high school transcripts as well as cumulative GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and activities?
What are colleges and universities looking for?
Rigorous course selection, especially in the key academic areas of math, science, language arts, social studies, and world language.
Completion of college prep classes and of academic programs through advanced level courses, for example world language or social studies courses through College in the Schools.
Consistency, improvement, and rigor of courses, especially in the senior year.
Did you know that students who completed 4 years of world language study scored more than 100 points higher on
each section of the SAT than those who didn’t? (source: Wall Street Journal, October 30, 2003)
Increased Career Possibilities
Knowledge of one or more world languages and cultures is a marketable skill. Increasing numbers of jobs now require people who are capable of interacting in languages other than English and can adapt to a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Four out of five new jobs in the United States are created as a result of foreign trade.
A total of 6,688 small, medium, and large companies exported from Minnesota locations in 2001. (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004)
Communication skills will play an important role in service industries within the United States. Service industries are predicted to be the fastest growing markets in the 21st century.
Proficiency in a world language is important for many different employment and career opportunities: airline industry, advertising, anthropology, arts, corporate law, education, engineering, fi lm, government, health care, hotel industry, import/export, international banking, international organizations, interpreting, journalism, law, law enforcement, marketing, medicine, publishing, radio/TV, religious occupations, research, science, social work, teaching, telecommunications, technology, travel and tourism, vocational and technological fi elds. (source: Minnesota New Visions: www.mctlc.org/newvisions)