Long Beach Middle School

World Language Department

Long Beach Middle School Language Program Video - 

Long Beach students start their exploration of languages beginning in third grade and continuing through 5th grade with the study of Spanish.  At the end of fifth grade, our students can choose to continue  studying Spanish, or start learning French or Italian in sixth grade. At the conclusion of 8th grade,, our students take the Checkpoint A exam and receive one high school credit towards their Regents Diploma. In tenth grade (and ninth grade for those students in the Spanish Native Language Arts classes), our students take the Checkpoint B exam and receive two High School Regents credits towards their Advanced Regents Diploma. At the conclusion of tenth grade, our students will have earned a total of 3 regents credits. Our curriculum is thematic and uses a communicative approach, aligned with the IB Middle Years Program, IB Diploma Program and NYSED World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Most of our students continue their World Language studies through Senior year in order to complete the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy, the IB Diploma, and the World Language Honor Society.  

Our program goals and expectations are:

• understanding simple statements, questions and commands
  
• initiate and respond to simple statements using basic communicative skills
  
• understand the main idea of reading materials containing simple structures when relying on visual clues and familiarity with topic
  
• compose basic, short messages on very familiar topics
  
• show knowledge and understanding of the target language culture
  
  
  

• understand the main idea of longer but simple conversations and messages
  
• initiate and respond to statements using more advanced communication skills
  
• understand essential content of short and general statements
  
• be able to write paragraphs and longer compositions on familiar topics
  
• show more in-depth knowledge and understanding of target language culture
  
  
  

• comprehend common commands, directions, statements and questions about familiar topics
  
• engage in short conversations with the ability to express personal needs and preferences
  
• understand a variety of authentic written materials and short topical readings
  
• be able to write compositions and express interests, needs, and opinions in writing
  
• be familiar with and able to appreciate the target language culture