• Gabriel Medina, Department Chairperson – MVHS
• Tonya Koppin, Department Chairperson – NVHS
• Laura McAran, Department Chairperson – WVHS

Effective language learning focuses on the role of the individual in a global society. No longer do we live in an isolated world. Instead, there is an ever-changing, interdependent world in which diverse cultures and linguistic groups converge. Successful participation in a global society relies on successful communication in different situations. The World Languages classroom provides a forum to prepare students for those situations.

Courses are designed for non-native speakers.  The objectives of the World Languages program in District 204 are aligned with the National Standards for World Languages (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) in the 21st Century. Students communicate using the 3 modes of communication: presentational, interpretive and interpersonal in all courses.  The  Common Core State Standards and the Advanced Placement guidelines are also addressed.

The disciplines of English and World Languages are closely related. Therefore, recommendations for World Language students should take into account the student’s success in English courses. Students who start in the two-year middle school Spanish or French program are well prepared for their second-year (Level 2) as freshmen.

It is recommended that a student take a language other than the language spoken at home. If a student is linguistically inclined, he or she can take a second World Language after completing the second-year of his/her first World Language.

All courses require a workbook fee.

 ASL COURSES

Course#	Title	Level	prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
WLAN5001	American Sign Language 1	Yr. 9-12	None
WLAN5002	American Sign Language 2	Yr 10-12	American Sign Language 1
WLAN5003	American Sign Language 3	Yr. 11-12	American Sign Language 2
WLAN5004H	Honors American Sign Language 4	Yr 11-12	American Sign Language 3