FCPS World Languages
The goal of world language study in FCPS is to equip students to become linguistically and culturally competitive in a pluralistic society. The approach to this objective is threefold: a comprehensive approach to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a target language while honing those skills in English as well; infusion of the core content as well as elective areas—mathematical concepts, world history, literature, ecology, and visual and performing arts; a substantial focus on oral/signing proficiency to provide graduates with the practical ability needed to function within and outside the United States. Students are strongly encouraged to become proficient in at least one language other than English not only to satisfy requirements for collegiate admission, but also to be on the cutting edge of a society which is increasingly becoming more multilingual.
All courses are one credit unless otherwise indicated. A number of four-year colleges and universities now require that at least two or more credits of a student’s world language study be acquired in high school.
National World Language Standards
ACTFL National Standards and Summary - American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Summary of World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
Maryland State Curriculum
MD State Department of Education World Languages - MD World Readiness Standards, COMAR Regulation 13A.04.11 for World Languages, World Language Open Education Resources
https://www.actfl.org/resources/guiding-principles-language-learning/benefits-language-learning - Benefits of learning a world language
https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/World-Languages/Biliteracy/index.aspx - MD Seal of Biliteracy
http://duolingo.com/ – Vocabulary, grammar, sentence, and translation practice for various languages
http://memrise.com – Vocabulary/phrase practice for various languages
http://tarheelreader.org/ – Free, easy-to-read books at the novice level in various languages
http://www.aslpro.com/ – Online dictionary of signs/phrases in ASL