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
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