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- Suffern High School
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- World Language
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At Suffern High School we believe that the need to be able to communicate in at least one language other than English is more than an academic requirement for our learners. It is a 21st-century skill that every student needs to possess in order to succeed in this global and multicultural world. For this reason, we make language learning one of our priorities in order to equip our students for the future.
Students have an opportunity to study French, Italian, and Spanish. All languages are available in a four-year sequence, including Advanced Placement and college credit-bearing courses. Additionally, a two-year sequence in American Sign Language is offered, with an additional third year offered as an Independent Study.
The study of World Languages includes both linguistic and cultural objectives. The linguistic objectives at the high school level include the development of intermediate to advanced proficiency targets in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The cultural objectives include the recognition of different perspectives, products and practices from the target cultures and exploration of how the products and practices may form these different perspectives, or vice versa.
Our department-developed curriculum is aligned with NYS and ACTFL learning standards, allowing all students to engage with authentic materials from a variety of sources.
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The Suffern High School World Language Department has adopted the following vision statement, as created by The American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages:
"We envision an interconnected world where everyone benefits from and values a multilingual and multicultural education."
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That our World Language program fosters an appreciation for, and an interest in world cultures, making our students more open-minded and tolerant individuals.
After participation in our language program, students will be able to:
- effectively interact with speakers in the target language by communicating in everyday situations.
- understand the spoken and written target language.
- appreciate and respect the cultural aspects of the target language.
- use knowledge acquired in the target language in interdisciplinary learning experiences and in other life experiences.
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As World Language students in our classes we hope that you feel:
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mutually respected/accepted by teachers and peers
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like you are encouraged to be yourself
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welcomed and appreciated
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that you have a voice
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safe to take risks and make mistakes
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comfortable asking questions and requesting help when you find something challenging
As a class we will strive to create an environment where we:
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keep an open mind
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support one another
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are open about, and respect, our differences
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think before acting or reacting
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are patient with one another
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feel comfortable taking risks
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To contact a member of the World Language Department, or to view their website, click the link below.
