We currently offer three World Languages for students to learn. They are French, Italian, and Spanish. The goal of the World Languages program is to develop in each student the ability to understand and communicate verbally, as well as to read and write in a world language. Students develop a knowledge of vocabulary, a knowledge of the structure of the language, the ability to read the language at sight, and the appreciation of the contributions to the culture of the people whose language is being studied. The students are aided in speaking and in understanding the target language through frequent use of video and audio recordings and authentic materials.
Graduation Requirements
1. In order to satisfy the minimum graduation requirements for any New York State diploma, unless specifically exempted by an Individualized Education Plan (I.E. P.), all students must earn one (1) unit of world language credit by either:
a) completing two (2) years of world one language study and passing a Proficiency Exam at the junior high school level, or
b) passing one (1) high school world language course.
Students exempted from this requirement by an I.E. P. must substitute one (1) credit in another subject area in place of the world language credit.
2. In order to qualify for an Advanced Regents Diploma, unless specifically exempted by an I.E. P., all students must complete a sequence of three (3) credits and pass the NYS Regents Exam (or equivalent) in a world language. Students exempted from this requirement by an I.E. P. must substitute three (3) credits in some other subject area(s) in place of the foreign language sequence.
Beyond the Requirements:
We always encourage and expect that our students will go beyond the minimum graduation requirements. We take great pride in providing meaningful, authentic opportunities to our learners to practice their world language skills in real life situations. To that end, many of our students continue on to Levels 4 and 5 to seek the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. Upon completion of their Seal requirements, students get an official Seal on their diploma, acknowledgment on their transcripts and a medal to swag at graduation. Our students know that in order to be successful in a world economy, we must be able to communicate effectively, understand, and appreciate other cultures.
