World Languages OVERVIEW ‘The World Language Department believes it is important forall students to gain the ability to communicate with others and to expand their cross-cultural understanding. The world is a global community; second-language competence is an invaluable tool for personal development and career success. The mission of the World Language Department is to provide many opportunities for developing cultural awareness and proficiency skills, which will expand opportunities for the success of our students. To that end, our graduation requirement is three consecutive years of study in the same language in grades 9-12. Intemational students who are not native English speakers may begin studying another language after they have completed their ESL sequence. Virtually all students with $04 accommodations plans meet the World Language graduation requirement, and the teachers take care to work with the learning specialists to accommodate students with learning disabilities. The department offers four levels of learning in each of the five languages taught at ‘Shattuck-St. Mary’s: Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin, and American Sign Language. We also offer advanced conversation and AP classes in French and Spanish. At the Middle School we teach an exploratory class in Grade 6 (three languages in three terms), while Mandarin IA and Spanish IA are offered for Grades 7 and 8. Some Middle School students opt to begin a level one language course starting in the 8th grade. The School has a clear sense of scope and sequence in its language programs, and we take special care to ensure that we follow all national guidelines. In addition, the National Latin Exam has been offered for many years. STRENGTHS 1. Offering at least four levels in five languages is an asset for a school our size. 2. We offer classes even if their enrollment is small (¢.g., AP classes and Latin). 3. Middle School students all study a world language. The 6th Grade studies a different Tanguage each term. Mandarin TA and Spanish LA are offered to 7th and 8th Grade. 4, We incorporate the study of culture into all our classes. 5. Classrooms have SmartBoards, and technology is well integrated into the curriculum via many devices and platforms. 6. Mandarin classes have native speakers as teaching assistants. There are peer tutors for the other languages. CHALLENGES 1. The School is admitting more and more students who have studied in language 70