World Languages

What is the World Languages Incentive Credit?

The incentive "P" credit is to encourage more students to begin study in middle school. It also is an incentive for students to continue into Level II as 9th graders.

Why an incentive for World Languages?

The majority of our program students begin study in high school. Research and experience show that students achieve greater success with L2 study when they begin earlier. The incentive is twofold: encourage more students to enroll at the middle school and continue to Level II as 9th graders. The programmatic benefit of the incentive is to increase the numbers of students in Levels III, IV, AP.

Who will qualify for the World Languages Incentive “P” Credit?

Students who have completed two years of language study while in middle school (courses 1A and 1B) must enroll as 9th graders in Level II of the same language and successfully complete both semesters of this year long course with a grade of “C” or better.

How will students receive the World Languages Incentive “P” Credit?

Students request the “P” credit be added to their transcript by using the Credit-by-Choice World Languages Incentive Credit Form (page 5) that is submitted to their counselor. The Level I course number and letter “P” for Pass will be posted on the transcript for the 9th grade year.

Will the World Languages Incentive “P” Credit affect overall GPA?

The “P” credit is non-graded and will not affect GPA or class rank. The “P” credit will count as a one-year elective credit toward graduation requirements.

Will students receive a graded credit?

The World Languages Incentive Credit is NOT to award graded credit. The ASD Credit by Examination on the Credit-by-Choice form is the option for students who choose to earn graded credit that will impact overall GPA and class rank.

Will students still need to take 2 years (Levels II and III) at the high school to fulfill college entry requirements?

It is recommended that students take a minimum of 2 years while in high school. Colleges often have "entry and/or exit requirements." Completion of Level III and more advanced courses, best prepares students for post-secondary programs. Most important to the college application is evidence of completion of high-level course work.

What about immersion students and native speaker students?

Immersion students and native speakers of the target language already have the advantage of an "early start." The current ASD Credit by Examination is an option for students who choose to challenge high school courses.

What other incentives are available to students of World Languages?

• Students may waive the .5 credit social studies requirement by completion of Level III of one or more of the World Languages offered: French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Immersion students may waive .5 social studies requirement by completion of Japanese for Fluent Speakers II or Pacesetter Spanish.

• Japanese, Russian, and Spanish language immersion students who have been enrolled in an immersion program, beginning in elementary school and continuing uninterrupted through middle school and all four years of high school, will earn a red and white Completion Cord to wear at their high school graduation ceremony.

Why is it especially important that more middle school students have an opportunity to learn in another language?

• Culturally responsive attitudes ~ to broaden students’ educational background through language development and cross-cultural awareness; and foster healthy attitudes about people of other cultures

• Advanced level coursework ~ to provide motivation for continued language study so that students can achieve higher levels of proficiency