Warren Hills Regional School District

Warren Hills Regional High School

Course of Study 2008-2009

Department of World Language/ESL

The aim of these offerings is to enable students to use the chosen language for communication and to develop insights into the literature and cultures of the respective countries. Colleges and universities demanding a foreign language for admission desire competency in speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. Students who elect a course for which they have not been recommended are required to complete an appeal form. If the appeal is granted, a course preference form must be signed by a parent or guardian. No request will be considered after April 1, of the current school year.

While the state and school requirement is one year of a world language, students are reminded that most four-year colleges and universities require a minimum of two years of the same world language. Students are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselors to ensure they make sound scheduling decisions.

Courses which are under-subscribed may not run.

Course Descriptions

Level I (501 French, 511 German, 521 Spanish) (5 credits grades 9-12)

The beginning level of formal world language study introduces the student to the fundamental principles of the language and begins to develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Using a variety of teacher-made and commercially prepared materials including a textbook, supplementary materials, contemporary magazines, audio tapes, and film, the student will be afforded ample opportunity to become actively involved with the chosen language. Although the beginning level of world language study concentrates on the students' understanding and recognition of basic grammatical functions, equal emphasis is placed upon the students' ability to use the language in familiar everyday situations. Cultural aspects of the respective countries are presented by means of audio-visual aids and teacher-directed activities.

Level II (503 French, 513 German, 523 Spanish) (5 credits grades 9-12)

The second level of world language study further develops the fundamental language skills. As in the first level, the second level of world language study utilizes various materials that encourage the student to become an active participant in the classroom activities. Although the second level continues to concentrate on the student's understanding and recognition of the grammatical principles of the language, equal emphasis is placed upon the students' ability to develop and utilize these concepts in a conversational setting. Increased exposure to the cultural aspects of the languages and their respective countries is presented through a variety of materials and discussions that promote a better understanding of our own North American culture.

Level III (505 French, 515 German, 525 Spanish) (5 credits grades 9-12)

The third level of foreign language study provides more in-depth “consideration” of the complex grammatical structures of the language and is designed to improve the student’s efficiency in the four language skills. The third year can be thought of as the intermediate level which begins to prepare the student for foreign language study at the advanced level and for study on the college or university level. Major emphasis is placed upon the conversational proficiency of the student. Contemporary literature is introduced and used as the basis for discussion about the intricacies of the respective cultures.

Honors Level IV (507 French, 517 German, 527 Spanish) (5 credits grades 9-12)

Prerequisite: 90% or better by the end of the second marking period and teacher’s recommendation.

The fourth level of world language study refines all five of the language skills with special emphasis on creative conversation and exposition. The fourth year begins world language study at the college and university level. Increased exposure to the cultural aspects of the languages and their respective countries is presented through a variety of materials and discussions.

Honors Level V (509) French

Prerequisite: 90% or better by the end of the second marking period and teacher’s recommendation.

This pre-ap French class provides advanced training for French students and further refines language abilities through the use of advanced materials. The course stresses oral skills, composition, and culture. In addition, students will emphasize the use of world language for active communication.

AP World Language ( 510 French, 519 German, 529 Spanish) (5 credits grades 9-12)

Prerequisite: 90% or better by the end of the second marking period and teacher’s recommendation.

The AP World Language study further refines language abilities through the use of advanced materials. The AP World Language level is intended for those who have chosen to develop their proficiency in world language without special emphasis on literature. The courses stress oral skills, composition, and culture. The courses emphasize the use of world language for active communication. The AP World Language level seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter. The AP World Language level students are expected to take the Advanced Placement test.

500 English as a Second Language (ESL) (grades 9-12)

Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) come to Warren Hills from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varied levels of English skills. Instruction must therefore be individualized. The curriculum appropriate for any given student is modified through varying techniques, strategies, and materials. The program is designed to encourage students to maintain their identity, language and cultural heritage, while learning a new language and adapting to a new cultural environment. The principle goal is to prepare the ESL students to be as functional as possible, as soon as possible, in the English speaking classroom.

500.1 ESL Supplemental (grades 9-12)

This course is for those students that are currently enrolled or in transition from an ESL program. This course is designed to track the process of the ESL student in their core subjects. Students will continue to work on their English skills in conjunction with their other subject areas. Projects will be assigned accordingly.

500.3 ESL English (grades 9-12)

ESL English is a full year course for grades 9 - 12. This course is geared toward those students in ESL. Students will study literature, writing and related skills such as vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening.