Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course emphasizes the development of listening and speaking skills. Students are introduced to piny in and learn simplified Chinese characters that relate to the themes and grammatical elements targeted at this level. Students learn to recognize characters correctly, not only for reading, but also with the goal of developing their writing and ability to communicate in text on computers and on other electronic devices. Students begin to explore and study the themes of personal and family Life, school life, social life, and community life.
Students in Arlington Public Schools in grades 7-12 may receive high school world language credit for native language study and for the study of world languages. It is highly recommended that a grade of C or better in the course be earned to continue to the next level. The courses are sequential and a C or better will help set students up for success.
To receive world language credit, the following requirements must be met:
- A transcript verifying a minimum of 140 hours of formal language study for each credit must be submitted.
- The student must have earned a passing grade.
Students seeking the Advanced Studies diploma will meet the world language requirements by completing three years/levels of study in one language or two years of study in each of two languages. Successful completion of each world language course results in one credit toward the Advanced Studies Diploma. Some colleges require the study of world languages to continue in high school. If your student has successfully completed three years of study upon completion of their freshmanyear, be sure to look at the college admissions criteria for the student’s college(s) of choice.