WORLD LANGUAGE Completing three years of language study is required as part of the diverse curriculum in Middle School. Students entering in Grade 6 select to study Chinese, French, or Spanish. It is our philosophy that students will grow in their appreciation and mastery of a language if they remain in the same language for three years. Students may not add or drop a language after the first day of school but movement, while not recommended, is possible if the schedule permits following the Grade 6 year only. Regardless of the language choice, students finishing three years of study in Middle School should be ready for a Level II or Level III course in Grade 9. Teachers make a recommendation for the next level based on academic readiness, current mastery in the language course, evidence of executive functioning skills (i.e., planning, time management, and ability to work independently), interest, and motivation. The first two introductory years of language study are described as Novice 1A and B, while the third year moves to a Novice 2 level. Novice 1A level courses run in response to interest, therefore, a course with fewer than five students may not run. New students in Grades 7 and 8 with previous language experience will take a skills assessment to establish their language placement. Those with no previous experience will enter an introductory course. As part of our transition planning for Middle School, we make every effort to place students in the “right fit” World Language classes each year. Placement is determined by a number of important developmental criteria instead of by grade level alone. We work hard to place students in a course that will challenge and inspire them as well as promote their success. Placement is based on the following criteria, each considered equally: • Academic readiness • Standardized testing scores • Past mastery within the content area • Grade achievement • Executive functioning skills as observed by teachers throughout the year • Consistency of homework completion • Ability to work independently • Ability to self-monitor • A demonstrated interest and motivation throughout the year A profile is created for each student using the criteria above to determine the most appropriate placement. The same criteria is used in subsequent years throughout Middle School to confirm the appropriate placement for your child. World Language courses meet five times in the eight-day cycle.
Novice 1A Chinese, French, and Spanish Students fully engage their hearts, hands and minds in the Novice 1A course. With an incorporation of project-based learning, students develop an appreciation for people and cultures through active roleplay, songs, and recreation of cultural traditions helping them to broaden their
understanding of varying perspectives, practices, and values from other parts of the world. Language study is engaging and meaningful when students learn the skills needed to communicate in the target language by engaging in miming, drawing, singing, improvising a scene, collaborating with peers and playing a variety of games. Simultaneously, students work to build the foundation for reading, writing, speaking and
SEWICKLEY ACADEMY 8
