World Languages

 

Why are World Language programs important?

Language and communication are essential in our daily interactions. Learning to communicate in a second (or third) language is critical to our children's ability to be successful, responsible, and committed global citizens.

Exposure to world languages and cultures is an important part of a quality, well-rounded education. The benefits of language learning include:

• Learning about other people and their languages and cultures that will encourage an understanding and respect for diversity.
• Learning another language increases proficiency in English – especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.
• Studying a second language enhances listening skills and memory, increases analytical abilities, and builds aptitude in problem-solving and working with abstract concepts.
• Improving communication skills in a wide range of areas and fields – including business, marketing, government, medicine, technology, law, and the military.
• Job candidates who are proficient in another language are extremely valuable and sought-after – especially jobs that involve international trade and commerce.

How are world languages taught in our schools?

Language learning has evolved considerably in recent years. Instead of vocabulary lists and verb conjugations taught from textbooks and practiced in workbooks, teachers use authentic resources accessed online to learn a second language. Students learn to communicate in the modes of communication – interpretive (listening and reading), presentational (speaking and writing), and interpersonal (communication with others in multiple modes). There is an emphasis on helping students learn to communicate in the whole language instead of mastering only a few parts. There is a focus on Comprehensible Input – making language understandable by listeners despite them not understanding all the words and structures.

Middle School Connections and High School Credit in Middle School

In middle school, students complete a “connections" foreign language course that focuses on the introduction of communicative competence in another language. Students also have the option to complete a unit of high school credit over the course of grades seven and eight.

Elementary School – FLEX Program

Our elementary schools that offer a world language “specials" class use the Foreign Language EXperience (FLEX) model which introduces students to a foreign language and culture(s) approximately one time per week.

Elementary School – Dual Language Immersion

In our Dual Language Immersion programs, students spend at least half of their school day in the target language and the other half in English. Our students learn math, science, and Spanish language arts in Spanish. They are taught English language arts, reading, social studies, and specials courses in English.

ESOL – Learning English as a Second Language

SCCPSS has ESOL "clusters" at various elementary schools. However, there is one ESOL middle school (West Chatham) and one ESOL high school (Groves).

Please see the lists below for information on language instruction available at each grade level in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

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