World Languages Department

The World Language Department is pleased to offer a comprehensive and varied sequence of language learning to the students of the Gettysburg Area School District. From Middle School through High School, students have the opportunity to expand their horizons with the study of World Languages.

In alignment with the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, our World Language program strives to lead students to proficiency in the five areas of the standards: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. In our language classes, we promote an awareness of current global and cultural issues and a respect for other cultures.

In Middle School, students have the opportunity to begin to study French, German, or Spanish in the 8th grade. We have expanded our World Language course offerings to all 8th grades starting with a new Exploratory Program during the fall semester in the 2021-2022 school year. The earlier commencement of language studies increases students’ proficiency and provides for a more rigorous and thorough examination of the language, literature, and cultures throughout the students' educational careers. In the spring semester, students have a chance to take a language of their choice for the language level I study.

In High School, students may choose to study French, German, or Spanish. We offer five years for the study of French, German, and Spanish. Additional offerings include Spanish I and II for native speakers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the department head, Tarja Wilson.

Language learning enhances higher-order thinking skills such as critical thinking, conceptualizing, and reasoning.
Research says sustained language learning relates positively to higher-level thinking skills.
World language learners demonstrate greater creativity and divergent thinking than monolingual students.
Language learning promotes flexibility in thinking, sensitivity to language, and better listening skills.

Academic Benefits

Research demonstrates that students who study a world language improve their scores on the verbal sections of standardized exams, including the SAT and ACT tests. Scores continue to climb with each additional year of language study.
Students who complete at least four years of world language learning increase their academic skills in other subject areas.

Societal Benefits

Language learning provides career advantages in the local and international marketplace.
World language learning promotes the acceptance of others and validates the importance of global citizenship.
Students who learn a second language expand their cultural horizons within and beyond the walls of the classroom.
Cultural knowledge bridges the distance among global communities.

Conclusion

Learning another language opens the door to other cultures and helps a student understand and appreciate the diversity of people from other countries.
The United States must have quality language programs in our schools, so all students will graduate with the ability to interact linguistically and culturally with people from many countries. The earlier one learns a second language, the better.
Students who are competent in at least two languages will dramatically increase the U.S. capabilities in diplomacy, in world trade, and in human understanding.

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World Languages Department

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Benefits of World Language Study

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