In an ever-changing and interconnected world, students need to develop cross-cultural understanding and communication skills in order to enhance their ability to compete in a global economy. The primary goal of the World Languages Department is to provide students the opportunity to develop proficiency in a language other than English. World Language courses are aligned to the California Content Standards for World Languages and to the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards.

Students will develop communicative competence in the target language, both in spoken and written form. Classroom instruction is conducted primarily in the target language, with an emphasis on real-world applications so students develop their ability to interact with speakers of the target language. Diverse learning styles are taken into consideration when developing class activities. Students will build their understanding of the structure of the target language by drawing comparisons to their own languages, which in turn will enhance their awareness of their own language structure. Through their study of the language, students will learn the cultural heritage of other lands and become acquainted with customs and thoughts of other people.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION:
World Languages is a selective elective area. A student must earn 10 credits in two out of three selective elective areas (Fine Arts, World Languages and Applied Academics). For example, if a student earns 10 credits in a world language course, he/she would still need 10 credits from either Fine Arts or Applied Academics to satisfy the graduation requirement.

UC ELIGIBILITY:
e. Language Other than English – 2 years required, 3 years recommended.
A student must earn 20 credits and a grade of "C" or higher in the same language other than English.

 
For a list of World Languages Courses with descriptions please see the Course Selection Guide.