World Languages
Alyson F. Lerma, Specialist
Andrew Johnson Building, Office #1203B
Phone: 865.594.1727 Fax: 865.594.3659
Recent ActivityAlyson F. Lerma, Specialist
Andrew Johnson Building, Office #1203B
Phone: 865.594.1727 Fax: 865.594.3659
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 (see National Geographic’s Enduring Voices Project)!
Learning about the traditions and languages of other world citizens can transform students and help prepare them to be college and career-ready. In addition, they can be viable candidates for international employment and can participate in global economic markets as well as national security. They can also expand their understandings of diverse residents living in the U.S., as recent census data report that almost one of every five Americans speaks a language other than English at home (visit www.census.gov for more data).
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 Chinese. 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).
Knox County Schools recognizes the importance of preparing students for such opportunities that arise from the study of another language. Our teachers are dedicated to providing relevant and high-quality instruction with an emphasis on real-world application and cross-curricular learning. Our schools throughout the district offer a variety of language classes, including Chinese (Standard), French, German, 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, which include Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities (for more information, visit www.actfl.org).
Our WL educators shared their mission, goals, and beliefs about teaching and learning. This word cloud is a collection of the most frequently mentioned terms.
Learning about the traditions and languages of other world citizens can transform students and help prepare them to be college and career-ready. In addition, they can be viable candidates for international employment and can participate in global economic markets as well as national security. They can also expand their understandings of diverse residents living in the U.S., as recent census data report that almost one of every five Americans speaks a language other than English at home (visit www.census.gov for more data).
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 Chinese. 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).
Knox County Schools recognizes the importance of preparing students for such opportunities that arise from the study of another language. Our teachers are dedicated to providing relevant and high-quality instruction with an emphasis on real-world application and cross-curricular learning. Our schools throughout the district offer a variety of language classes, including Chinese (Standard), French, German, 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, which include Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities (for more information, visit www.actfl.org).
Our WL educators shared their mission, goals, and beliefs about teaching and learning. This word cloud is a collection of the most frequently mentioned terms.
Announcements and News Workshops for TEAM/TAP InstituteKCS is offering a variety of two-hour workshops related to the TEAM/TAP models for all grade levels and content areas. Teachers from across the district and from all departments will offer hands-on presentations focused on how to improve or refine certain areas of the rubrics. You can register online through TeacherU/ ERO for unscheduled inservice credit. The official flyer listing the specific dates and times was sent in an earlier email and is available on Teacher U.
Linguistics Olympiad at MTSU on Jan. 28thThe English Department at Middle Tennessee State University has organized the 6th annual competition in linguistics for middle and high school students. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students with an interest in language or logic to shine. For more information, please visit: http://www.mtsu.edu/lo/index.shtml
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