1. What is the difference between “World Language” and “Foreign Language”?
Nothing at all! Over the past few years, what was traditionally referred to as “Foreign Language” has been called “World Language” by many organizations. Both terms can be used synonymously in reference to any second language taught in the classroom.
*In Pennsylvania Classical Languages (Latin and Greek) are considered World Languages.
2. Is a second language required for graduation in Pennsylvania?
Currently there are no graduation requirements in Pennsylvania for a second language. Graduation requirements are determined by the individual school district.
“Each school district (including charter schools) shall specify requirements for graduation in the strategic plan under section 4.13. Requirements shall include course completion and grades, completion of a culminating project and the results of local assessment aligned with the academic standards.”
-Chapter 4, Section 4.24, Graduation Requirements
*However, for approximately 2 years a committee of World Language teachers, professors, international business representatives, parents and school directors guided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education has created a draft for Proposed Academic Standards for World Languages. The State Board of Education, the general public and Legislature will review this draft during 2002.
“…the Board noted that, under section 4.12 (relating to academic standards) it is scheduled to adopt world language standards as a requirement for schools and students. At the time that those standards are adopted, the relationship to graduation will be specified.”
-Chapter 4, Section 4.12, Academic Standards
3. Must a School district provide a world language for its students?
Yes, according to Chapter 4, section 4.25 subsections A and B and Section 4.23 High School Education subsection D, #3 all Pennsylvanian schools are required to provide 2 world languages for its students.
§ 4.25. Languages. (a) World language programs must prepare students to be proficient in meeting the World Language Standards issued by the Department and available on its web site. Every school district shall provide planned instruction in at least two languages in addition to English, at least one of which shall be a modern language, and at least one of which shall be offered in a minimum 4-year sequence in the secondary program (middle level and high school).
(b) World language planned instruction under subsection (a) may be offered beginning at any grade level, including the elementary grades.
(c) World Language Standards issued by the Department will address the ability of students to communicate in a language other than English, including the ability to understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics and to develop knowledge and understanding of other cultures.
(d) As used in this section, the term ‘‘world language’’ means the study of the language, cultures, traditions and histories of different communities of people who communicate in languages other than English. American sign language is a world language.
Authority The provisions of this § 4.25 amended under the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. 26-2603-B).
Source The provisions of this § 4.25 amended February 15, 2008, effective February 16, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 872. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (304974).
Cross References This section cited in 22 Pa. Code § 4.23 (relating to high school education).
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“Every school district shall provide instruction in at least 2 languages in addition to English, at least one of which shall be a modern language and at least one of which shall be offered in a minimum 4-year sequence in the secondary program (middle level and high school)”
-Chapter 4, Section 4.25, subsection A, Languages
“World Language instruction under subsection (a) may be offered beginning at any grade level, including the elementary grades.”
-Chapter 4, Section 4.25, subsection B, Languages
“The following planned instruction shall be made available to every student in the High School program.
#3. World Languages under 4.25 (relating to Languages).”
-Chapter 4, Section 4.23, subsection D, #3
4. How can we start an elementary world language program in our school district?
In order to start an elementary world language program, contact your local school board. First, however, it is highly advised that you contact the World Language Education Advisor at Department of Education in order to obtain information on grants, funding and pilot programs that would be helpful in starting an elementary world language program.
Ms. Pamela M. Kolega
World Language Education Advisor
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
PA Department of Education
333 Market Street
8 th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
(717) 787-7098
5. What are the benefits of learning a second language for my child?
Studies have shown that studying a second language definitely improves the child’s first language.
WORLD LANGUAGES IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Students participating in a world language program in the elementary schools have shown improvement in:
· Pronunciation in the first and second languages
· Higher scores on standardized assessments
· Listening skills
· Basic skills—reading, writing, speaking and comprehension
· Cognitive development
· Multi-cultural understanding
· Self-concept
WORLD LANGUAGES IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Students in the Secondary Schools taking a world language have shown improvements in:
· SAT and ACT scores
· Career development
· And all of the above benefits mentioned for elementary schools
( Information gathered from NCDPI Instructional Services Division
News Information and Resources Second Languages)
6. Is there a statewide assessment program for World Languages?
No. There are only statewide assessments in Math, Language Arts and Science in Pennsylvania. All other areas of curriculum, including World Languages, will be decided by the individual districts. Pilot models of assessment will be developed and initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
7. What kinds of World Language Program models are there?
There are 5 main models:
· Immersion (all the curriculum is taught in the second language)
· FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School)
· FLEX (Foreign Language Exploratory)
· Traditional/Stage Level
8. What is Heritage Language learning?
For more information about the Heritage Language learning, check out the Center for Applied Linguistics web resources:
