2013-2014 Board of Education Proposed Budget Book

WORLD LANGUAGE – GRADES 7-12
MAJOR GOALS
• To develop the literacy skills of all world language learners.
• To create global citizens, by fostering an understanding of cultures and languages.
• To develop world language students who are able to proficiently use their communication skills.
• To embed 21 st Century technology into the curriculum, as both an instructional and assessment tool.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Middle School: All students begin the formal study of French or Spanish in grade 7. The world language curriculum emphasizes interpersonal and
interpretive communication at the beginning levels. The curriculum is aligned with the Connecticut State Frameworks and the National Standards
for Foreign Language. In addition, reading, listening and speaking standards of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards are
supported throughout the curriculum. Students are introduced to the language and cultures of various francophone and Hispanic nations.
High School: All students must complete one year of a language during their course of study at the high school. Students have the option to start
and/or continue the study of French, Italian, Latin and Spanish. The courses are sequenced and leveled to meet a broad range of student ability
and interest. The world language curriculum emphasizes global and technological literacy through the use of beginning and intermediate
communication skills. The curriculum is aligned with the Connecticut State Frameworks and the National Standards for Foreign Language. In
addition, reading, listening and speaking standards of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards are supported throughout the
curriculum. Students are able to take French or Spanish at the college level through the nationally accredited Advanced Placement program. The
high school curriculum supports beginning and intermediate levels of language proficiency. Latin students in year 3 and French or Spanish
students in year 4 of language study may apply for acceptance into the Société Honoraire de Français, the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and/or
the National Junior Classical League.
BUDGET NOTES
The program budget reflects the need to continue to diversify course offerings as well as to further incorporate the use of technology, which is
critical in helping students become 21 st century learners. The program budget for the high school includes the addition of a new Italian 2 course
and AP Spanish course as well as adding on-line e-text capabilities to the existing French 5 and Spanish 5 courses.
The increase in the high school personnel budget is due to a teacher being hired at a higher than anticipated salary in FY 2013, with the increase in
systemwide due to the reallocation of stipend funds.
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