Mission and Curriculum

Belief Statements

• We believe in the acquisition of language for communicative purposes in a cultural context.
  
  
• We believe that when students develop an understanding of language as a system, it allows them to forge cognitive as well as content connections with systems of learning in the fields of mathematics, science, arts, and the humanities.
  
  
• We believe that it is necessary to provide students with an authentic language-learning environment, (e.g., language immersion, content- and problem-based instruction) in which they can construct meaning through recognition of and reflection on processing skills (i.e., metacognition).
  
  
• We believe in the use of authentic assessments by student and teacher, including the use of video assessment, portfolios and journals.
  
  
• We believe that the study of a foreign language...
  
  ...builds practical skills for travel, commerce, research, etc.
  
  ...expands one's world view.
  
  ...fosters an understanding of the interelatedness of language and human nature, of language and culture, and of language and thought.
  
  ...contributes to the achievement of national goals, such as economic development and national security. expands opportunities for meaningful leisure activities. develops the intellect, including learning how to learn. exposes the learner to modes of thought not found in the native language and culture. teaches and encourages respect for other peoples.
  
  ...improves one's knowledge of the native language and culture.
  
  ...enables transfer of training, such as the learning of a second foreign language or a computer language. instills in the student the joy of life-long learning. provides the vehicle which can open doors to opportunities to work and study abroad.

  World Languages Curriculum

  Here are curriculum guides for the levels of World Languages study:

  • Introductory Level I
  • Introductory Level II
  • Intermediate Level III
  • Advanced Levels IV-V
  
  
  
  

  These pages maintained by John Stark Last modified on Saturday May 2, 1998 Copyright ©1997 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy