World and Classical Languages Department Philosophy

We believe that language and communication are at the heart of the human experience and allow us to relate meaningfully with one another. Acquiring more than one language is a critical skill for global citizenship. The goals of our world and classical languages departments are to enable students to communicate effectively in the target language, to understand the cultures that support the language, to see connections between language study and other disciplines, and to appreciate what it means to be college-, career-, and world-ready.

The world and classical languages classroom will provide an environment conducive to successful language acquisition. Instruction will include realistic and meaningful learning opportunities which provide challenging, engaging, and authentic activities that promote increased proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language.

As a result of our standards-based curriculum, instruction, and learning environment, District 203 students in world and classical languages will develop competency in the areas of communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities while working towards the ultimate goal of biliteracy and bilingualism.