Valparaiso Community Schools
Middle School
World Language Program
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Welcome
Introduction to the World Language
opportunities at Thomas Jefferson and
Benjamin Franklin Middle Schools
MS “Dual Credit” opportunity
Current
World Language Program
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1995/96 to the present (2011/12)
7th/8th grades2 year commitment
Two years of MS = one year of HS instruction
Slower pace = more culture
Same books, workbooks, tests...
Highly Qualified Teachers
(HQT) content licensed
MS WL has NO HS credit
Students begin HS with 2nd year of the
language
2012-13 and beyond
World Language Program
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Course content will not change = 1st year VHS
WL course
Final Exam: 7th grade = 1st semester HS
8th grade = 2nd semester HS
One MS year long course = 1 HS semester
credit
HS Transcript Grade = 40% 1st/2nd 9 Weeks +
40% 3rd/4th 9 Weeks + 20% Final Exam
MS grades will count on HS transcript & GPA
Opt out option at end of 7th grade
Decision at the end of 7th
Grade
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Continue study into 8th grade = HS
credit/transcript
Drop WL at end of 7th grade = No HS
credit/transcript, enroll in CA 8th grade
Timeline: Parents begin discussing
with child Winter BreakSpring Break
Teacher will make formal
recommendation prior to Spring Break
Why Study a World
Language?
 Everyone speaks English. Think again.
 Foreign Language strengthens your
native language.
 Children who have studied a language at
the elementary level score higher on tests
in reading, language arts, and math.
 Research has shown that math and verbal
SAT scores rise with each additional year
of foreign language study
 Most universities require a minimum of two
years of foreign language for admission.
To Make
the World
your
Oyster!
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Parlez vous francais? ¿Habla Español?
Benefits of Receiving High School Credit
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Students spend two school years grounding
in first year building a solid foundation
 Meeting 3 yr world language requirement
for an Honors Diploma
 Frees up schedule for more electives such
as possible study of a 2nd World Language
Spanish
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Preparation for 2nd year WL course
Overview of curriculum
Growth of Spanish language in US
Culture
Use of instructional technology to
enhance learning
French
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French is an international language spoken by over
100 million people in 30 countries of the world.
Knowing French will increase your child's English
vocabulary ; 40 % of English words come from
French.
French is still an important diplomatic language
which is used in the United Nations and the
European Union.
French is the second language on the internet.
Students will be able to do research in Science,
Medicine, and Technology.
French is the language of the Arts, Literature,
Fashion, and Cuisine.
DEUTSCH LERNEN
COMMUNICATIONS:
GLOBAL
€CONOMIC$:
HERITAGE
UNIVERSITY
& BEYOND:
NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK
Meine Schwester
hat braunes Haar.
Sie ist intelligent.
Sie studiert Medizin
in Berlin. Sie kann
gut singen.
is designed to
Improve comprehension
Practice writing skills
Review test-taking strategies
Strengthen vocabulary
Utilize print and
electronic current events
Work cooperatively in a project
based environment
Improve oral and written skills as
they are specifically related to
presentations, specifically
speeches and PowerPoint
Identify and remediate specific
skill areas of concern in E/LA
Where do we go from
here?
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Course selection for 7th grade World
Language or Communication Arts?
Communication Arts 7th  8th
Course selection for 8th grade World
Language or Communication Arts?
Select WL  grade and credit will be
reflected on HS transcript
Auditing is not an option
BFMS & TJMS are similar, but not identical
programs