A World of Opportunity
There are endless benefits to learning a second language and culture. Students who study a second language increase their global awareness and understanding, improve literacy in their native language, are better prepared for college, have more employment opportunities and have a greater appreciation for the arts.
World languages are offered at Austin ISD campuses from elementary through high school. Roughly 130 world language teachers deliver curriculum and instruction to support 9 different languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Benefits
Learning a second language and the culture associated with that language leads to an increase in our students' global awareness and understanding. A second language offers our students more opportunities in the marketplace as more employers are in need of bilingual candidates. It also improves literacy in students' native language as they develop their linguistic ability.
Students who learn a second language are better prepared for colleges and universities that may require foreign language experience.
World Languages on Campus
Roughly 130 world language teachers in Austin ISD deliver curriculum and instruction to support 9 languages:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Mandarin Chinese
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
Austin ISD students may begin studying world languages in middle school and earn high school credits. It is important for both middle school families and students to understand that language courses at this level are taught using the high school curriculum and thus students are expected to understand at the same high level.
Secondary Programs
Students who begin language learning in middle school are able to continue their studies in high school, culminating in or going beyond Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture or a rigorous course in another language taught at the advanced proficiency level. Students may also choose to pursue a third world language.
Students who enroll in advanced placement courses for languages will take the College Board AP exam at the end of the year, which could result in college credit depending on the score received on the exam. Regardless of the exam score, students in advanced placement courses receive consideration by most colleges and universities that value perseverance in a successful completion of such rigorous courses. The languages offered at both middle and high schools vary campus to campus. Campuses can provide more specific information about what languages and levels are offered.
Elementary Programs
Language learning is maximized when started at early ages; if young students are exposed to world language instruction, they will have a greater potential of achieving proficiency in the chosen language and culture. The World Languages Office encourages elementary campuses to offer world language study when possible.
For more information on the vision of World Language instruction and for details on curriculum instruction and assessment, please contact the Austin ISD Multilingual Education Team at 512-414-4734.