Foreign Language
The foreign language program is comprised of Spanish 1-4 classes for non-native speakers, Spanish for Spanish speakers 1-2 for native speakers, and Spanish 4 AP and 5 AP for all Spanish students. These foreign language classes stress continued progressive acquisition of effective communication in both written and spoken language and an understanding of the practices and products of the culture being studied. The courses are sequenced so that the knowledge and skills acquired in each course prepare students for the knowledge and skills to be learned in each sequential course. Students may earn 10 units to fulfill the one year fine arts requirement to graduate or up to 40 units to fulfill the two year (3+ years recommended) of the same language requirement of most California universities.
Spanish I
Recommendation: None
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This course is designed to introduce basic Spanish language structures, including parts of speech, basic vocabulary, and present tense verb conjugations in order to pronounce, read, and write simple sentences. Cultural traditions, holidays, and artistic contributions are explored.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Recommendation: Spanish I or II, or teacher discretion (frequent exposure and understanding of spoken Spanish in the home or Spanish speaking country origin).
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This course is designed for the already fluent Spanish-speaking student. Students will study language structures and develop reading and writing skills in Spanish through course readings from various disciplines including literature, history, and a study of contemporary issues within the Hispanic community.
Spanish II
Recommendation: Spanish I or teacher’s discretion. An exam may be required to determine a student’s level.
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This is the second year of an elective course designed for non-native Spanish speakers to further enhance world language skills and to prepare students for living in a global society.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers II
Recommendation: Spanish for Spanish Speakers I or teacher recommendation
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This course focuses on improving students’ reading, writing, and analytical skills. The course also focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary and their knowledge of Hispanic culture. Students who successfully complete this course may go on to take AP Spanish IV.
Spanish III
Recommendation: Spanish II
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This course will bring students from the novice level of oral proficiency to the intermediate level to be able to create with language, participate in progressively challenging situations, and communicate successfully in basic survival situations. It is also an introduction to short stories and dramatic sketches to help students appreciate literature and strengthen their reading skills.
Spanish IV
Recommendation: Spanish III
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This course provides students the opportunity to further develop, improve, and refine their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis continues to be placed on aural skills with additional emphasis on reading and writing in the target language. Supplementary materials are implemented to enhance language use. Students experience multiple opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish in different contexts. Aspects of contemporary Hispanic culture are emphasized through cultural readings, medial, games, and class discussions. This course is designed for primarily native English speakers who want to further their Spanish abilities. The assessment of student performance is identified through written tests and quizzes. In addition, students may also be assessed by means of oral tests, spoken dialogues, presentations, short compositions, and other displays. Homework assignments are an integral part of this course. They reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explore in class which enable students to participate in class discussions and activities in a meaningful way. Completion of homework assignments is essential to being successful in this course. Pre-AP activities will be integrated into this curriculum.
AP Spanish IV/Language and Culture
Recommendation: Spanish IV or higher with a “C” grade or better or teacher recommendation
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 11
UC/CSU Requirement: E
This AP Spanish course is conducted primarily in Spanish with authentic materials from the Spanish-speaking world, and it is equivalent to a third year college course in advanced Spanish writing and conversation. This course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to further improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to be ready for the AP Spanish.
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E
Course Length: One Year
Grade Level: 9-12
UC/CSU Requirement: E