Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 4/17/2024 - 5:00 PM
Category: Consent Calendar
Type: Action
Subject: 9.8 CURRICULUM: Revised World Language Courses: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish III Honors, AP Spanish IV Language and Culture, Spanish for Spanish Speakers I, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers II (meets A-G requirement ā€œEā€)
Strategic Plan:
Enclosure
File Attachment:
Spanish I Rev2024.pdf
Spanish II Rev2024.pdf
Spanish III Rev2024.pdf
Spanish III Honors Rev2024.pdf
AP Spanish IV Rev2024.pdf
Summary: The District's Educational Services Department has recommended updates in our district-wide course catalog. When a course is discovered to be out of date, the department team is requested to work together to bring the course of study current. The Spanish courses currently being offered are being revised to align with the new textbooks adopted in June 2023. All Spanish courses meet the CSU/UC A-G graduation requirements of "E" World Languages.

Spanish I students will develop basic to intermediate-level skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking through a variety of instructional activities. They will also develop proficiency in reading comprehension through the use of short stories and articles. Students also practice composition skills by writing short paragraphs on selected topics. They will develop cultural understanding and awareness of the people and cultures studied. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to take Spanish II.

Spanish II represents an intermediate level of language proficiency designed to enhance students' communicative abilities in spoken and written Spanish. This comprehensive year-long program is dedicated to furthering comprehension of Hispanic culture while employing diverse instructional methods to ensure linguistic, cultural, and contextual understanding. The curriculum prioritizes the refinement of students' speaking, reading, writing, and listening proficiencies. Upon completion, participants will demonstrate proficiency in engaging in basic conversations across various subjects and adeptly navigating everyday scenarios. The course emphasizes equipping students with the requisite skills to transition seamlessly into Spanish III or Spanish III Honors.

Spanish III students will enhance their listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities through various instructional activities ranging from intermediate to advanced levels. Reading comprehension will be honed with short stories and articles, while composition skills will be practiced through writing short paragraphs on designated topics. Cultural awareness and understanding of studied peoples and cultures will be fostered. Students will be introduced to formal Spanish language conventions in meaningful contexts, focusing on improving reading, writing, and critical thinking skills and recognizing different discourse styles. Successful completion of Spanish 3 typically prepares students for placement in AP Spanish Language classes.

Spanish III Honors is the third course in the sequence of preparing students for the Advanced Placement Course. Intermediate and advanced grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are taught. Emphasis is placed on conversation, vocabulary, correct language usage, and real-world application. This is achieved through group work, partner work, and individual practice. Proper pronunciation and oral proficiency are primary goals. This requires a daily emphasis on listening and speaking. Students will also complete research and presentations on various cultural topics. The classroom experience will provide an appreciation and development of cultural awareness through multiple readings, media resources, and authentic materials.

AP Spanish IV Language and Culture course is the fourth-year course offered at this district. Completion of levels 1-3 or 1-2 of Spanish for Spanish Speakers or equivalent is required prior to taking the course. This yearlong course is designed to prepare the student to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course allows students to develop language proficiency across the three modes of communication: Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. Students learn about culture through the use of authentic materials that are representative of the Spanish-speaking world.
Funding:
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the revised World Language courses: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish III Honors, AP Spanish IV Language and Culture, Spanish for Spanish Speakers I, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers II.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Shannyn Cahoon - Director - Curriculum and Instruction
Signed By:
Kindylee Mackamul - Interim Assistant Superintendent
Signed By:
Grant Bennett - Superintendent
Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Anthony T. Stafford, Sr. Moved, Member David Nelissen seconded to approve the Original motion 'It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the revised World Language courses: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish III Honors, AP Spanish IV Language and Culture, Spanish for Spanish Speakers I, and Spanish for Spanish Speakers II.'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0.
The motion Carried 5 - 0
   
Steve Campos     Yes
Edward Garcia, Jr.     Yes
Elizabeth Vallejo     Yes
David Nelissen     Yes
Anthony T. Stafford, Sr.     Yes