World Languages - Queen Anne County Public Schools

Overview of World Languages

The World Languages program at QACPS prepares students to communicate in a new language in a culturally appropriate way. The linguistic and cultural experiences that come from World Language studies are essential for citizens in the global community and 21st century marketplace.

Students will gain cultural understanding and become proficient in the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target languages they study. Students are encouraged to take risks using the language in a safe, collaborative environment.

QACPS currently offers classes in Spanish and French.

Graduation Requirement

There is a new State requirement for students in the Class of 2025 and beyond. These students not pursuing a CTE completion must take 2 credits of the same language.

Students in the Class of 2024 and earlier may take 2 credits of any language to meet the graduation requirement.

Benefits of Language Learning

Learning another language at an early age:

Has a positive effect on intellectual growth and academic achievement
Enriches and enhances a child’s mental development
Leaves students with more mental flexibility, critical thinking, and creativity
Improves a child’s understanding of his/her native language
Creates a greater sensitivity to language and a better ear for listening
Gives a child the ability to communicate with people he/she would otherwise not have the chance to know
Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries
Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college
Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset

Source: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

World Language Class Structure

What Is a World Language Class Like?

Here’s what you can expect when you take a Spanish or French class at QACPS:

Instruction is not translation or rote memorization.
Classes include interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication in real-world contexts.
Classes are 90-100% language-rich learning environments.
Students are engaged in the learning process by using gestures, visuals, color-coding, organizers, manipulatives, music, art, movement, role-playing, games, stories, and technology.
Proficiency-based classes motivate students to work with what they know.
Additional practice outside of class is provided in a variety of options, including: flashcards, labeling pictures, games, making recordings, completing charts, drawing and narrating.
Content is based on Advanced Placement (AP) themes such as: personal and public identities, contemporary life, beauty and aesthetics, family and relationships, science and technology, and global challenges.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education

Middle School

At the middle school level, students may elect to take an introductory course in 6th grade, Foreign Languages EXploratory (FLEX), which highlights cultures associated with the Latin, French, and Spanish languages. Middle school students may begin their formal study of Spanish in 7th Grade by taking Introduction to Spanish, a full-year middle school credit course. In 8th Grade, students can earn high school credit for the successful completion of Spanish I (a full-year high school credit course). As stated in the high school grading policy, “for high school courses taken in middle school, one credit will be awarded at the successful completion of the course in 8th grade.”

High School

At the secondary level, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools offers a sequenced program in French and Spanish. We urge students to complete at least three levels of the same World Language. Students who take level 3, 4, AP or Spanish for Native Speakers will be able to attempt earning the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy.

Maryland Seal of Biliteracy

This prestigious award acknowledges high school seniors who have attained high levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. Graduates who earn this prestigious honor are required to pass the English PARCC exam and score at least intermediate high proficiency on a county-approved language exam. Students eligible for attaining the Seal will receive special recognition for being a Seal of Biliteracy Candidate on their high school transcripts and those who receive this award will receive the Seal of Biliteracy Medal.
Beginning in 2021, ALL students in Spanish / French 3, 4, AP and/or Spanish for Native Speakers will take the AAPPL test as a course requirement, and the test will be paid for by QACPS in order to support all students through grant funding through the Curriculum Office of World Languages.