Language Other Than English
Department Overview
The foreign language department at Central Catholic High School is aligned with state and national language acquisition standards, i.e. the 5 C's of language learning as defined by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Communication: Students of all ability levels should have the opportunity to acquire proficiency in the use of any or all the language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), whether the communication takes place face to face or across centuries through the reading of literature.
Cultures: Through a study of the cultural contexts in which the language occurs, students will gain insight into the thought patterns and the social structure of other cultures.
Connections: The study of foreign languages will aid in the development of critical thinking skills. Multilingual students will gain access to a wider variety of new sources of information than would otherwise be available to them.
Comparisons: Students will learn how language reflects certain value systems associated with particular behavior patterns in their own culture as well as those of the target culture. In addition, students will come to understand how languages operate as communication systems by comparing their own language with the target language.
Community: Students will acquire a means for obtaining a global education. They will learn to adapt to varied environments and to recognize the values of other communities. Especially presenting opportunities for learning outside of the classroom, in our local and extended community.
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