World Languages

The fundamental goal of the High School World Languages program is to enable students to communicate effectively in the target language. The Nyack World language curriculum aligns with the NYS and national standards. Teachers emphasize the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational) rather than the study of vocabulary and grammar in isolation. As students’ progress from introductory to advanced courses, grammar skills are taught in context as tools for effective communication. The NYS Seal of Biliteracy is available to Seniors who meet the criteria for English and a World Language at the Intermediate High proficiency level.

The department strives to equip students with the skills to express communicative functions in all three modes and to develop their intercultural competence in the language studied. Students use the target language effectively in a variety of real-life situations while applying their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills within the communication modes. Specific topics within each of the themes of Identity and Social relationships, Contemporary Life, Science, technology and the Arts, and Global Awareness and Activism will be addressed. At each level of world language instruction, students expand the topics on which they communicate, how they express themselves and understand others, and the sophistication with which they can express ideas.

The Nyack School District is one of the many school districts in New York which participates in the New York State Association of World Language Administrators (NYSAWLA), formerly known as the Foreign Language Association of Chairpersons and Supervisors (FLACS) World Language Examination Consortium. This consortium creates the Checkpoint B assessment that will be administered in June to all students enrolled in a level 3 World Language course. The mandates from the state for Regents and Advanced Regents diplomas have remained the same, but the test is now administered locally through FLACS. For more information on state requirements, please visit: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/world-languages/lote-faq-11_1_18-a.pdf

NEW YORK STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY
The NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society. Students wishing to receive the NYS Seal of Biliteracy must complete all requirements for graduating with a NYS Regents diploma. Successful candidates will earn three points in English and three points in each world language from a points matrix, which includes course grades, national and state exams, transcripts, and culminating projects. The NYSSB takes the form of a Seal on the student's diploma and a medallion worn at graduation. For more information: https://www.nysed.gov/world-languages/new-york-state-seal-biliteracy-nyssb

GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY
The Global Seal of Biliteracy certifies through testing that a student has attained a Working or Functional level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. It is a language credential issued in collaboration with the Nyack high school and the Global Seal of Biliteracy organization. Students have to meet the criteria for one of its two award levels on one of its qualifying tests. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is serial-numbered and can be listed as a credential, not just an award, on a CV or LinkedIn digital profile. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is universal, it crosses state lines and certifies students’ language skills for academic or work purposes.

For more information, visit The World Language Website for course videos and descriptions.