World Languages Department!
Recent ActivityDr. Alyson F. Lerma, Specialist
912 South Gay Street, #1203A
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: 865.594.1727 Fax: 865.594.3659
912 South Gay Street, #1203A
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: 865.594.1727 Fax: 865.594.3659
 MISSION STATEMENT: The World Languages Department strives to educate and motivate students to become global citizens in an increasingly complex and changing world through the study of languages and cultures other than their own. |
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What distinguishes human beings and yet links us together regardless of where and in what circumstances we live? What allows us to interact with one another on the most basic level and offers us insight into other cultures? The answer is one simple word that defines a complex system of communication: language. Most estimates are that there are approximately 7,000 spoken languages currently in existence in the world, although experts state that a language dies every 14 days (visit National Geographic’s Enduring Voices Project)!
Data from the most recent Census suggest that one of every 5 people in the U.S. speaks a language other than English at home. In addition to the cultural and linguistic diversity in this country, we are more integrated into the global community than ever before. With just a few mouse clicks or keystrokes, students can use social networks to communicate instantaneously with a native Spanish speaker in Buenos Aires or an inhabitant of Beijing who speaks Cantonese.
As a result of these interactions, cultural awareness and linguistic skills are vital in order to take advantage of these opportunities and be productive, responsible world citizens. Another reason to study a second or third language is that research shows that students who do so have increased academic achievement, higher test scores, and enhanced cognitive skills (consult ACTFL or CAL for a list of related studies). |
Throughout the district, our WL teachers seek to prepare students to live in such a multilingual and multicultural world. WL educators are dedicated to providing relevant and high-quality instruction with an emphasis on real-world application and cross-curricular learning. High schools and some middle schools throughout the district offer a variety of language classes including Chinese, French, German, Greek (Classical), Latin, Russian, and Spanish. The curricula for all languages taught in KCS are aligned with state standards and objectives, all of which are centered on the five components of the National Foreign Language Standards (for more information, visit www.actfl.org). Students attending Tennessee high schools must earn two credits in the same World Language in order to meet graduation requirements (see the TN Diploma Project). OUR WL EDUCATORS BELIEVE THAT:
~ Exposure to world languages strengthens & broadens
students’ academic performance across subjects. ~ The ability to communicate across cultures is imperative. ~ This ability to communicate in a variety of languages increases job & leadership opportunities. ~ All students should be exposed to a variety of cultures and languages. ~ Learning other languages fosters higher-order thinking skills. |
Announcements and News Recent information about CCSS and WL classesClick on the link to read an article about the Common Core State Standards framework and WL classes: http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/TLE_pdf/TLE_Jan13_Article.pdf
Common Core Standards and World LanguagesPlease see below for an article entitled "Alignment of the National Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards." This relevant and timely piece offers a discussion of how WL courses fit within the framework of the Common Core standards.
Department Files
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| + Administrative Assistant, Hickson, Lisa | |
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| + Dr. Alyson F. Lerma, Specialist | |
| Click on name to see details. |
Links
Rich Internet Applications for Language LearningFree online programs for recording, uploading, mixing, and interacting (through Michigan State University).