Overview
Students have the choice between French and Spanish. All language courses utilize proficiency-based instruction, meaning that classes and curriculum prioritize developing students’ ability to communicate effectively in the target language, rather than merely emphasizing grammar and vocabulary memorization. This holistic approach fosters real-world communication skills and cross-cultural understandings through the integration of authentic resources.
Courses
Spanish and French courses meet daily. Through differentiated instruction and assessment, students receive targeted support to reach the Novice High proficiency benchmark by the end of their first year and Intermediate Low by the end of their second year.
For students with scheduling conflicts, an every-other-day option is available. In these sections, students will be guided toward reaching the Novice High proficiency benchmark by the end of their second year of study.
Placement
Our course sequence at Lawrence School and Falmouth High School is a continuum and reflects a student’s target proficiency benchmark. As proficiency increases, students move from Novice to Intermediate to Advanced. All language courses will have a mix of abilities, and through differentiated instruction, all students aim for the same proficiency benchmark by the end of the year.
Students will not necessarily follow a linear sequence. Placement is based on individual proficiency testing results on an approved World Language assessment in conjunction with teacher recommendation. This means that students have the opportunity to jump to higher levels based on their language ability starting in their second full year of language study. For example, a student who has completed Novice 1 in grade 7 may skip the Novice 2 course and jump to Intermediate Low, offered at Falmouth High School, in grade 8.
Meet our World Language Teachers
Molly Drane, Department Head, K - 12
Deborah Albert, Spanish Teacher
Maria Demeo, Spanish Teacher
Jennifer Hayman, Spanish Teacher
Kristen Mills, French Teacher
Angélica Ojeda, Spanish Teacher