LOTE
Languages other than English
Introduction
In an increasingly interdependent world, teachers and administrators must cooperate in preparing students for world citizenship. The ability to communicate in languages other than English is an important component of a global perspective. Fostering that ability is the special responsibility of teachers certified in Foreign Language, but working cooperatively with classroom teachers integrating units involving English/ Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Communication skills in a language other than English provide direct access to the minds and spirit of the peoples of the world. We believe that second language proficiency is an important component in the education of today's students as they prepare for a productive and rewarding life. Not only does it prepare students for a world in which peoples and nations are becoming increasingly interdependent, but it also contributes to the development of their creativity and to their capability for critical thinking.
Pinnacle Charter School uses the National Foreign Language Exploration/ Experience Program (FLEX) in grades K-4 where students in grades K-4 explore multiple foreign languages integrated within their Social Studies themes (to include Spanish, French, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Mandarin Chinese and more based on the topic studied in Social Studies). Then in grade 5, students take an Introductory FLES class with a trimester focus on a more intense introduction into three languages (Spanish, French and Italian). So that in grades 6-8, students develop proficient use of one foreign language in order to meet/ exceed the NYS Proficiency exam.
Based on the National Standards for Foreign Language, the five goals of foreign language instruction are:
Pinnacle Charter School uses the National Foreign Language Exploration/ Experience Program (FLEX) in grades K-4 where students in grades K-4 explore multiple foreign languages integrated within their Social Studies themes (to include Spanish, French, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Mandarin Chinese and more based on the topic studied in Social Studies). Then in grade 5, students take an Introductory FLES class with a trimester focus on a more intense introduction into three languages (Spanish, French and Italian). So that in grades 6-8, students develop proficient use of one foreign language in order to meet/ exceed the NYS Proficiency exam.
Based on the National Standards for Foreign Language, the five goals of foreign language instruction are:
- Expanding their communicative abilities
- Offering them the opportunity to gain knowledge of the other cultures and national groups that speak their heritage language
- Using their home language in an academic context to access new information and knowledge
- Bringing to the level of awareness the views and perspectives of the two worlds with which they interact on a daily basis
- Expanding their ability to participate both in the U.S. and abroad as members of a language competent society