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 Currently
the Chicago Public Schools offers 13 languages of study at the
elementary and high school levels. The goal of these programs is not
only to develop proficiency in a second or third language but to
expose students to an ever shrinking world and prepare them for the
global economy. Approximately 25,000 students are studying a world
language at the high school level and 20,000 at the elementary
school level.
The World Language Unit in the Office of Language and Cultural
Education supports these programs by providing ongoing professional
development, resources for teachers and students, technical
assistance to schools to develop world language programs and
information on student travel abroad.
Second language acquisition is more important than ever before in
today’s world.
Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of
career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own
and other cultures. Some evidence also suggests that children who
receive second language instruction are more creative and better at
solving complex problems. According to the College Board profiles,
students of foreign languages score statistically higher on
standardized tests (verbal and math) conducted in English. (Source:
www.kidsource.com)
Chicago Public Schools has responded to the U.S. federal
government’s call for advanced speakers of critical-need languages
by creating both the Arabic and Korean World Language Programs and
further strengthening the Chinese (Mandarin) World Language
Program.
LANGUAGE OF STUDY
- 13 Language Programs of
Study: Arabic, Cantonese (Chinese), French, German, Greek
(Modern), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Mandarin (Chinese),
Polish, Spanish, American Sign Language
Professional Development Opportunities for World
Language Teachers - November 2007 - June 2008
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ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Current
Projects/Initiatives
SURVEYS:
 2007
– 2008 ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE
SCHOOL -World Language
Enrollment & Teacher Survey
NEW
2007
– 2008 HIGH SCHOOL World
Language Student Enrollment
Survey
NEW
2007
– 2008 HIGH SCHOOL World
Language Chairperson Survey
NEW
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