Projects & Priorities: World Languages
Current Projects and Priorities: WORLD LANGUAGES
World Languages are offered in Ardsley Middle School, starting with a general introduction to languages in 5th grade. Students then select to study one of three languages in 7th grade (Spanish, French, or Italian) and have the opportunity to complete the equivalent of one high school credit by the end of 8th grade. Students then have the opportunity to pursue a single language through to the college level (AP or equivalent) in school. They also have the opportunity to study Latin.
Mission
To improve language-based outcomes in a way that encourages the study of languages prepares students with twenty-first-century skills and affirms the value of diversity in a multilingual society, so that our students are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad.
Newly Revised NYS Board of Regents Standards for World Languages (as of 2021)
In 2021, the NYS Board of Regents adopted revised learning standards for Languages Other than English (LOTE) and a name change from LOTE to World Languages.
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The revised standards are aligned with the National World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
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The changes reflect 21st-century priorities as they prepare students to engage in real-world communication while developing biliteracy and interculturality
Key Implications of the Revised Standards
Language Learning
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Focuses on what students know about the language (vocabulary, grammar, verbs, etc.) or what they learned about the language.
Language Acquisition
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Focuses on the student's proficiency in using the language
These updated learning standards for both Modern and Classical Languages are organized into two anchor standards
The Communication Anchor Standard is broken down into three standards—one for each mode of communication
- Interpretive
- Interpersonal
- Presentational
The Cultures Anchor Standard is broken down into two standards:
- Relating Cultural Practices and Products to Perspectives standard
- Cultural Comparisons standard
Proficiency Checkpoints
NYS Learning Standards for World Languages are not grade-banded, but instead are grouped into three proficiency ranges that correspond to the World Language Checkpoints (A, B, C) that reflect levels of achievement students must reach, generally over the course of two years of study each. Students meet the standards by demonstrating proficiency at the levels consistent with the lower end of the range for each checkpoint.
- Checkpoint A: end of 8th grade
- Checkpoint B: end of 10th grade
- Checkpoint C: end of 12th grade
World language requirement for graduating with a Regents Diploma (100.5 Diploma Requirements)
Students shall earn at least one unit of credit in a world language other than English in order to complete the world language requirement for the Regents diploma.
Students shall earn two additional units of study in a world language other than English for a total of three units in the same language and pass the locally developed Comprehensive Examination in that language, which is aligned to the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages for Checkpoint B.
Implementation of the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages
Districts with secondary (middle and high school) world language programs may implement the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages (2021) as early as they would like. However, all districts must implement these revised standards by no later than indicated by the following schedule:
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Implementation of the revised standards (course curricula, instruction, and assessments aligned to the revise standards) must occur by no later than: |
Grade level |
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September 1, 2023 |
7th |
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September 1, 2024 |
8th |
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September 1, 2025 |
9th |
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September 1, 2026 |
10th |
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September 1, 2027 |
11th |
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September 1, 2028 |
12th |
New York State Seal of Biliteracy
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) distinguishs students from other high school graduates and new college entrants by earning this commendation, which attests to high proficiency level in English and one or more world languages.
The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first-century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
World language requirement for graduating with a Regents Diploma (100.5 Diploma Requirements)
The NYSSB is awarded by the Commissioner to students who meet the criteria established by the New York State Board of Regents and who attend schools that voluntarily agree to participate in the program. The program is available to students at no cost.
This award is denoted by
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A seal is affixed to the student’s high school diploma
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A notation on the student’s high school transcript
Requirements
To earn the NYSSB, students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in English and the required level of proficiency in one or more world languages set forth by the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages, adopted by the NYS Board of Regents in March 2021. Students can earn points toward the NYSSB in a number of ways, including:
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Completing coursework in English and/or a world language with an average of 85% or better
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Completing a Home Language Arts Program with an average of 85% or better;
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Earning a set score on an approved assessment in English and/or a world language
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Demonstrating successful completion of coursework from a nation outside the U.S.
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Completing and presenting a Culminating Project in English and/or a world language that demonstrates the required level of proficiency in all three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational).
Official Criteria to Earn the NYSSB