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

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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