26-27 BPS Course Catalog - Flipbook - Page 87
VISION:
Birmingham Public Schools World Language Department's vision is that every World Language student in Birmingham
will embrace the ongoing process of language acquisition, while building confidence to authentically communicate
across different cultures and environments. We strive to achieve our vision through our mission, which is that the
Birmingham World Language Department will provide authentic, relevant, and cultural experiences for our students.
These opportunities will support all learners to build productive and receptive language skills, and prepare them to be
active participants in our diverse world. Students are instructed and evaluated according to the Proficiency and
Performance Guidelines set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
World Language Level One
These courses are designed for students who may or may not have studied a language and/or have limited experience.
They develop entry-level skills in speaking / expressive communication, listening/receptive skills, reading, and writing,
with an emphasis on interpretive abilities. They also foster an early understanding of the culture. Students will be able to
understand and to ask simple questions on structured, familiar topics. They can only satisfy a small number of immediate
needs. Discourse is usually limited to the present tense. (It is understood that BPS Spanish students may come with some
prior experience.)
• ASL 1 (571021/571022)
• Chinese 1 - Seaholm (560021/560022)
• French 1 (500021/500022)
• Spanish 1 (510021/510022)
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
World Language Level Two
These courses help students to recombine practiced material and interpret simple messages in speaking / expressive
communication, listening / receptive skills, reading, and writing. They deepen a student’s understanding of the culture.
Students will begin to speak and write in longer, more complex sentences and communicate about the past. They will be
comfortable with detailed personal information, and will read and comprehend simple instructions and stories.
• ASL 2 (571121/571122)
• Chinese 2 – Seaholm (560221/560222)
• French 2 (500221/500222)
• Spanish 2 (510221/510222)
Prerequisites: First year of the language
Grades Taught: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
86
