World Languages
The World Language Department strives to produce life-long 21st century global language learners. Our goal is for students to reach proficiency equivalent to college level language classes in their target language by the end of Level 4.
WHS offers 4 levels from Level 1 - 4 AP in the following languages:
Chinese levels 1-5AP
French levels 1-4AP
Spanish / Spanish Heritage levels 1-4AP
*American Sign Language (ASL) offers levels 1 & 2 is offered through a partnership program with Ohlone College.
We teach in alignment with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (ACTFL's) Common Core World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. These four standards are assessed at every level.
Standard 1: Students Will Communicate in Languages Other Than English
Standard 2: Students Will Develop Insight into Linguistics and its Relationship to Culture
Standard 3: Students Will Gain Knowledge, Understand and Respect other Cultures
Standard 4: Students Will Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information
World Language classes at Washington H.S. emphasize the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening at every class meeting. We aim to achieve proficiency levels through focusing on three modes of communication: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational.
ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines:
Novice: Levels 1 and 2
Intermediate: Level 3
Advanced: Level 4
For more information please visit the following website:
www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/news/AligningCCSSLanguageStandards.pdf