World Languages
The World Languages Department helps students become globally competent individuals through the study of world languages and cultures.
World languages teachers and other school staff should develop and implement world languages programs that acknowledge and reinforce the language proficiency and cultural awareness that non-English language speakers already possess, and encourage students' proficiency in multiple world languages.
MN Statute 120B.022
The Minnesota Legislature passed Statute 120B.022 in May 2015, which states that school districts that offer world languages "must use the current world languages standards developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages" (ACTFL). These standards are proficiency-based and shift instruction from performance for credit completion to language proficiency.
Proficiency Standards
Proficiency means that students are demonstrating accurate language skills (grammar, syntax, appropriate context, and register) in unrehearsed situations, applying their skills to a new context.
ACTFL identifies proficiency as a continuum of five levels, ranging from Novice to Distingushed. Each level is subdivided into three stages: low, mid and high. The levels are explained in ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Recognition of Students' Proficiency
The Minnesota Legislature recognizes the importance of world languages in our schools and workforce. Statute 120B.022 subd. 1b outlines commendations for students that have obtained various levels of proficiency.
EHS students have the opportunity to take a proficiency assessment in the spring of their senior year. Families will receive information via email in March.
Students who achieve the Intermediate-Low level of proficiency in the four modalities (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will earn a Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate, a separate document.
Students who achieve the Intermediate-High level of proficiency in the four modalities in one language will earn the Minnesota Bilingual Gold Seal on their high school transcript. Students who reach the Intermediate-High level of proficiency in the four modalities in two languages will earn the Minnesota Multilingual Gold Seal on their high school transcript.
Students who reach the Advanced-Low level of proficiency in the four modalities in one language will earn the Minnesota Bilingual Platinum Seal on their high school transcript. Students who reach the Advanced-Low level of proficiency in the four modalities in two languages will earn the Minnesota Multilingual Platinum Seal on their high school transcript.
Courses
Please check the course catalog for information about these courses.
