Purpose, Goals and Overview

The purpose of a program in foreign language studies is to introduce students into the life, literature, and culture of other lands, to prepare some for research in foreign language sources, to prepare others to aid in the State's economic and cultural growth, particularly in dealing with the international business, educational, and scientific communities- and to make available to all children an opportunity to sense and feel the spirit of expressions foreign to our own.  In order to succeed in these arenas, we must be able to: (1) use language (2) recognize commonalities and accept differences among cultures, peoples, and languages; and (3) appreciate the contributions of other cultures to our nation state and communities.To accomplish these ends, the citizens of this State must be proficient in at least one foreign language.

The overall goal of a foreign language study is proficiency.;Proficiency is the ability to communicate directly and effectively with people from other cultures.  Contact with other cultures is a reality in our state: activity in foreign investment and international trade is increasing annually, and the number of immigrants, settling in more and more communities in this State, is growing steadily.  The program prepares students to communicate directly and productively with people who have been brought together by international trade, technological advances, and common needs.

The immediate objective of this proficiency-based program of second language study is the progressive development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Correspondingly, the language learning process involves mastery of grammar and vocabulary.  Finally, the study of culture is incorporated throughout the language learning process.  This entails learning about the ways in which people live on a day-to day basis, as well as about their contributions to our nation, state, and communities.

The developmental nature of language learning requires daily language study that permits students to develop proficiency in as natural a manner as they did their first language.   The natural sequence in the language learning process involves the development of the listening and speaking skills along with reading and writing. Application of grammar is essential to continued development toward proficiency.
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