VDOE NEWS
On March 18, 2021 the VDOE adopted the revised World Language Standards of Learning. These new SOLs are based on proficiency levels for language learning. Grounded in up to date principles of learning and rooted in research, the new SOLs support the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines. The goal is for our BCPS world language students to be able to move beyond memorization to authentic use of the target language.  It is designed to engage learners in our classrooms, moving from learning about language to using language. Our goal is 90% of the class should be spoken in the target language. Educators must ensure that learners are able to get the “gist” of what is being said, read, heard, or viewed and understand what they are supposed to be doing to participate successfully at all times; otherwise, student frustration can take over. Teachers lessons are designed to help students learn through images, body language, and repetition. "Second Language Acquisition research has shown that learners need as much exposure as possible to the target language for acquisition to occur. Learners need to be actively engaged with the target language." Facilitate Target Language Usage, ACTFL  

BCPS Latin Alphabet Proficiency Progression Chart (for Spanish, French, & Latin)

Instructional Resources from the VDOE
Includes: Introduction to proficiency, skills progression charts, additional resources, and glossary of terms.

GOALS AND STRANDS FOR MODERN WORLD LANGUAGES
The World Language Standards of Learning for modern world languages are organized into broad learning outcomes and concepts or goals, i.e., what students are to learn. The intent of each goal is specified by strands that describe categories of desired learning outcomes in world languages. For each strand, standards identify specifically what students will know and be able to do in each area by the end of a course.

GOALS
Achieving linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding is a long-term endeavor, requiring further experiences beyond the classroom setting. Within the scope of the level of study, students will be able to perform with reasonable success in the four areas below.

Effective Communication

Students will:

• Communicate with others in a language other than English. 

• Improve their understanding of and ability to communicate in the English language by comparing and contrasting another language with their own.

Enhanced Cultural Understanding

Students will:

• Develop an awareness of and an appreciation for another people’s unique way of life, the patterns of behavior which order their world, and the ideas and perspectives which guide their behaviors.

• Develop an understanding of other cultures’ contributions to the world and how these contributions have shaped international perspectives.

Expanded Access to Information

Students will:

• Connect with other disciplines through language study, which enables them to understand the interrelationships among content areas.

• Access information in more than one language making available a greater range of authentic resources and a richer base of knowledge.

Increased Global Perspective

Students will:

• Respond to and contribute to their communities and to the world in a more informed and effective manner as a result of the global perspective gained in a world language class.

• Explore additional prospects for further education, career opportunities and personal fulfillment as a result of second language study.

BCPS CURRICULUM MAPS

For more information contact:
Crystal DeLong-Moorefield
Supervisor of Humanities
[email protected]