World Languages

Welcome to World Languages

Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. Learning to communicate in another language is critical to our students' ability to function linguistically and culturally in a global society. The APS Office of World Languages envisions a future in which all students will develop and maintain proficiency in at least one other language. Our focus is to:

Ensure students receive quality instruction in Spanish, French, Chinese and Latin through an articulated, sequential program which prepares them for a global society;
Provides opportunities for cultural and linguistic enrichment through authentic interactions and student travel opportunities.

Spotlights

Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA)

APS continues its partnership with APSA to afford students enrolled in Chinese language courses the opportunity of a lifetime. In June 2012 five students traveled to Beijing, China where they spent six weeks completing community service, studying the Chinese language and culture intensively, and becoming familiar with the opportunities available through learning a second language. Students pictured from Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson and North Atlanta High Schools (all schools offering Mandarin Chinese).

Upcoming Events

5th and 8th Grade Assessments

All 5th and 8th grade students enrolled in language courses were assessed in spring 2013 to determine proper placement in grades six and nine. This will allow us to align instruction and articulate the program, avoiding repetition of material covered during prior years. This school year, teachers are preparing their students for the second year of the assessment by addressing listening, speaking, reading, and writing on a daily basis.

Professional Learning

World Language Best Practice Series

Isadora Arzu, a World Language Mentor Teacher, will offer monthly workshops for teachers of World Languages. The sessions will meet at the Campbell Building on Wednesday evenings and will cover topics such as assessment design and analyzing student data. For more information on these sessions, please log on to MyPLC.

District-Wide Professional Learning

In October 2012 all APS World Language teachers gathered to begin discussions on aligning the curriculum to Common Core Georgia Performance Standards for Literacy in the Technical Subjects. Teacher leaders facilitated small group sessions who submitted drafts of scope and sequence and assessment documents.

In February 2013 and May 2013 the groups will receive additional training on CCGPS and Literacy integration as it relates to World Language instruction. Teachers will design additional tools to support CCGPS implementation.