Department of World Languages and English as a Second Language & Bilingual Instruction
Priscilla Russel, Supervisor
609-806-4280 x3252
Mission Statement for World Languages
In the 21stcentury the ability to communicate in more than one language will be a necessity. The World Languages program in the Princeton Regional Schoolsfocuses on preparing students to communicate in a culturally appropriate way with speakers of other languages. To realize that goal the district offers both long, articulated sequences of world language instruction and a variety of languages from which to choose. Our program reflects the latest research inworld language learning and best practices in instruction. The Standards based curriculum moves students along the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines in the spoken languages. As students progress through the program they not only learn to communicate in one or more world languages but they also gain knowledge and understanding of other
cultures as they connect with other disciplines and learn 21st century skills.
• How many languages do the Princeton Schools offer?
2 - 5 we offer Spanish for everyone (grades 1 - 5 at Johnson Park)
6 – 8 we offer French and Spanish (grade 7 can begin Mandarin)
9 – 12 we offer Spanish, French, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Italian.
•What is the schedule for Spanish at the elementary and middle schools?
The schedule varies by elementary school:
•Johnson Park offers Spanish 4 of 6 days for 30 minutes to 2-5, 2 of 6 days for 1st
•Community Park and Riverside offer Spanish 4 of 5 days for 30 minutes
•Littlebrook offers Spanish 4 of 6 days for 30 minutes
In 6 – 8 - classes meet daily for 45 minutes per class. The Spanish and French teachers are part of the academic teams. Mandarin
meets before school and is in addition to Spanish or French
•Who studies world languages in the Princeton Schools?
In 2 (1) - 5 everyone studies Spanish. In 6 - 8 everyone studies Spanish or French unless they are in ESL classes or have an IEP stating that they will not take a world language. The state of New Jersey requires that all students must study one year of a language to graduate from high school.
•May I take more than one language at a time?
Yes, at PHS you certainly may take more than one language and many students do. At JW you may only take one language in 6th grade and may apply to add Mandarin for 7th and 8th grade (There is high demand for Mandarin).
•How may I advance to a higher level of a language class at PHS?
There is an established procedure for “advancement of course” and the form is available in Guidance. To advance - a student must
complete a language course that offers 140 hours of seat time. You need to attach the course syllabus to the “advancement of course” form and submit it to Mrs. Russel and your guidance counselor. You should consult with your teacher before doing this. At the end of
August you will get in touch with Mrs. Russel (by email is best) who will ask a language teacher to evaluate your progress and decide if you may advance.
•Is there “independent study”?
There is no “independent study” at JW; however, occasionally there is an option of “independent study” at PHS. Teachers at PHS are
under no obligation to offer an “independent study” option but may volunteer to support a student. Teachers receive neither remuneration nor release time for offering an “independent study” program. Principal Snyder must approve every independent study request. At the end of the course each student will offer a defense of his year's work before a panel of teachers.
How does the department place new students?
At PHS your guidance counselor will ask you to complete a writing sample responding to a prompt. Several teachers in the department will review the sample and then will evaluate your spoken language during an interview. Students must register for the level for which they are recommended.
At JW your guidance counselor will introduce you to the language teachers who will evaluate your language skills and recommend
placement.
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