World Language - Hingham Middle School

World Language at HMS

All teachers in grades 6-8 are asked to make course level recommendations in March. These recommendations reflect the current teacher’s assessment of the most appropriate placement for each student for the next year. Grade 6 are heterogeneously grouped (unleveled), beginning in the 7th grade students are assigned to leveled courses. Appropriate placement is intended to maximize the ability of each student to be productively engaged, motivated, organized, and successful.

Criteria for Success:

Interpretive (Reading and Listening)

Recognizes familiar words and phrases in French or Spanish (spoken or written)

Interpersonal (Speaking and Writing)

Communicates orally and in writing about familiar topics in French or Spanish
Integrates new grammar and vocabulary into speech and writing

Presentational (Speaking and Writing)

Writes messages and notes on familiar topics related to everyday life in French or Spanish
Gives short oral presentations on familiar topics related to everyday life in French or Spanish

Work Habits

Completes homework thoroughly and accurately
Thoroughly prepares for assessments
Participates actively in class
Self-corrects errors in writing and speaking

Level 2 – The student independently demonstrates excellent ability in the above areas.

Level 3 – The student, with moderate support, demonstrates above average to average ability in the above areas.

Level 4 – The student, with significant support, demonstrates average to below average ability in the above areas.

Descriptions of each course at each level may be found in the current Program of Studies.

Parents with questions about a particular recommendation should contact their child’s World language teacher.

Differences between Honors and Upper Standard Courses

Instruction

Honors classes will move at an accelerated pace. In these classes, repetition of material.
In upper standard classes, there will be substantial re-teaching material and more opportunities for practice.
Instruction in honors classes will include supplementary information including readings, vocabulary, and cultural information.

Assessment

Assessments in honors courses will be longer and more complex than those in upper standard courses. They will require more open-ended application of the vocabulary and grammar learned in class.
Assessments in upper standard courses will be shorter, less complex, and more concrete.

Guiding Principles

The members of the HPS World Language Department believe that it is fundamentally important to prepare all of our students with world language skills and intercultural expertise so that they may thrive in today’s globalized society and economy. This overarching premise supports the mission of Hingham Public Schools: “… to provide challenging and comprehensive educational programs in a safe and supportive environment, enabling all students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success as local and global citizens.” In order to become productive global citizens, students must have both proficiency in a second language and an understanding of other cultures.

There are certain underlying principles to this philosophy, including but not limited to the following:

Increasing global interdependence necessitates the ability to communicate in a language other than English
Proficiency in a world language will provide in-depth understanding of another culture’s values and beliefs as well as respect for differences
Proficiency in a world language will promote a deeper understanding of one’s own language and culture
Students of Latin acquire a robust awareness of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the English language and the foundations of Western civilization.