The Global Language Curriculum

Our Vision

Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience.  The United States must educate students who are equipped linguistically and culturally to communicate successfully in a pluralistic American society and abroad.  This imperative envisions a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language.

A Proficiency-Based Curriculum

Educators are emphasizing the need for proficiency-based programs that provide settings for authentic second language opportunities in which students learn to use the language rather than learn about the language. Several years ago the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) designed a set of guidelines built around identifiable levels of proficiency. A proficiency-based global language curriculum establishes specific performance levels of language achievement. Student assessment and placement are based on actual language proficiency. Students earn credit and progress to the next proficiency level when they successfully demonstrate their proficiency in the four skill areas of speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Students are proficient when their performances receive a holistic 6* or higher.

Novice Level Global Language at the Middle Schools

Novice level global language in the middle school covers the same content as the Novice level of a language course at the high school. However, at the middle school, Novice is taken over the course of seventh and eighth grades. In other words, it takes two years to complete Novice level French, German, or Spanish. This provides a more appropriate language experience for the younger learner. Time is assured for the student to practice listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and develop language proficiency. Students successfully completing global language (French, German, or Spanish) by demonstrating proficiency at the Novice level will receive one high school credit. In order to advance to the next level (Beginning Intermediate) and receive this credit, students must demonstrate that they have at least a proficiency level of ‘6’ in each of the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing,). If the student chooses to postpone language study until later, the next opportunity will come in grade 9. It is not possible to begin language study in grade 8. If global language is selected in grade 7, the decision as to which language to take is a matter of personal preference and is a two-year commitment to the study of that language.

For Students Enrolling in Global Language

All students enrolled in a global language course are required to demonstrate their proficiency level at a holistic 6* or higher in each skill to receive one credit. Students who demonstrate proficiency and receive a credit may advance to the next proficiency level. Students whose schedules permit may enroll in two consecutive courses in the same year.  Students will be provided with daily opportunities to use the language in the global language classrooms. A variety of strategies that include small group and paired activities increases the opportunities for students to become proficient in the language. Students who select a Proficient/In Progress option (previously Pass/Fail) in global language must demonstrate the 80% proficiency in each skill to obtain a Pass and receive credit.

For students enrolling in Intermediate High Level IV

Any student who has demonstrated proficiency in Intermediate Mid (Level III) of language study may enroll in Intermediate High Level IV.  This course is also considered a prerequisite for the IB course.  Both IB and non-IB students will be together in the same classroom.

For Students enrolling in Intermediate High Level V: Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate-Standard Level

Any student who has demonstrated proficiency in Intermediate High Level IV may enroll in Intermediate High Level V.  It is important to select the correct course number according to the program one is selecting-IB or non-IB.  Global Language is offered to Upper Arlington students at the IB Standard Level, and IB students take the IB exam upon completion of Level V.  Students in this course will also be prepared to sit for Advanced Placement exams.

The Global Language
Resource Center (GLRC)

The Global Language Resource Center is staffed with teachers who serve as mentors to provide additional opportunities for students to practice the target language. In addition, the GLRC houses computers, CDs, videos, and other media which provide opportunities for students to improve their global language skills. Teachers in the GLRC help students:

prepare for their performance demonstrations
edit their written work
review for tests and quizzes
improve their study skills
complete assignments
diagnose learning difficulties
develop proficiency in all skills

*a holistic 6 equals 80%