World Languages

Department Overview:

The Department of World Languages at New Town High School seeks to enrich the lives of its students by exposing them to the many cultures and languages that shape our increasingly multicultural world.  Using the latest technology, as well as trusted best-practices, we teach our students grammar and vocabulary, but we also teach students about the many cultures that they are sure to encounter in their private lives, and in the world of work.  We work hard to use our lessons on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing to support other academic disciplines, as we know that it is important to support our colleagues in the collective effort to send well-rounded, life-long learners into the community.  In short, we want our students to gain a breadth of knowledge in school, but also to explore and appreciate all that exists beyond the walls of our community.

Course Descriptions:

Spanish I
Textbook: Holt Spanish I ¡Exprésate!

In the first level language course, students communicate in the language being studied both orally and in writing. Emphasis is on gaining proficiency in listening and speaking skills. Students are introduced to the arts and culture of countries where the languages are spoken. First level is organized by language functions necessary for basic communication.

For publication information and helpful study tools, please visit: http://go.hrw.com

Spanish II
Textbook: Holt Spanish II ¡Exprésate!

The second level Spanish course continues to reinforce communicative skills introduced in the first level. The proficiency-oriented approach encourages students to use the language in meaningful contexts both in and beyond the classroom. Students study and compare the cultures of the countries where the target language is spoken and make connections with other disciplines. Learning to express actions that take place in the simple past is the hallmark of Level II Spanish.

For publication information and helpful study tools, please visit: http://go.hrw.com

Spanish III and III Honors
Textbook: Prentice Hall Paso a Paso 2

The third level Spanish course is an intermediate course. It continues to reinforce communicative skills introduced in the first two levels and acts as a bridge to upper level study. Reading and writing skills are given additional emphasis at this level. Students continue to study and compare the cultures of the countries where the target language is spoken and make connections with other disciplines. Students will expand their communicative skills by describing events in the past, present, and future in a variety of ways.
Please note: This is the final year for the Paso a Paso series in the county. Next year, students will be using Holt Spanish III ¡Expresate 3! for levels three and three honors.

For publication information and helpful study tools, please visit: http://www.phschool.com/atschool/paso/

Spanish IV Honors
Textbook: Holt Advanced Spanish Curso de Introducción: Nuevas Vistas

The fourth level language course is an advanced course. Students use the target language to respond to various thematic topics in challenging ways. Students acquire information from a variety of authentic language sources in order to compare the cultures of the countries where the target language is spoken and to make personal connections with other disciplines. Themes taken from literature, art, music, and contemporary and historical issues occupy prominent positions in the fourth level curriculum along with advanced grammar usage. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are emphasized.

For publication information and helpful study tools, please visit: http://go.hrw.com

Spanish V/VI (Advanced Placement)
Textbooks: Glencoe Galería de Arte y Vida and Prentice Hall Conexiones

The upper levels of French, German, Latin, and Spanish are courses that prepare students for success on the College Board Advanced Placement Exams. Students examine several themes through a variety of authentic sources that provide opportunities for students to refine and extend their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as outlined in the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning. At the same time, students broaden their understanding of the target cultures through perspectives available only through authentic sources.

For publication information and helpful study tools, please visit: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078606209/ or http://www.pearsonhighered.com/conexiones/

Teacher Contact Information:

Graduation Requirements for Baltimore County:

• Two years of Foreign Language study are required for graduation from a Maryland school for a college completer program.
• A minimum of two years of study of the same Foreign Language is required for admission to the University System of Maryland.
• Many out-of-state colleges and some in-state private colleges or universities require more Foreign Language study. It is advisable to contact the Admissions Office of colleges of interest to you to determine the Foreign Language requirements for their school.
• Middle school Foreign Language study can count as a high school credit for graduation and admission to college under these circumstances:
• The course must complete the same content indicators and curriculum as the high school course.
• The student must pass the course for the year.

Useful Links:
The Office of World Languages - http://www.bcps.org/offices/world_languages/  (world_languages)
Online Tutorials – www.studyspanish.com
Online Dictionary – www.dictionario.com