World Languages
The World Languages program is a required offering for all APS K-12 schools*. Elementary schools determine the grade level at which the program begins and its frequency. At the middle school level, students may continue the language they began in elementary school or select another language. The high school program provides students with an opportunity to continue their language study with access to additional languages and upper levels.
*Parents should contact their local school for more information about their school's world language programming.
Program Goals
- to equip students with the skills that will enable them to function in a language other than their own
- to develop communication skills that allow students to compete effectively in the global community
- to develop listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural competence skills in the target and native languages
- to use technology and other non-print sources to absorb information
- to increase awareness of students’ own culture and to appreciate the culture(s) of others
Language Pathways
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. It is a signal to employers and higher education institutions that a student is bilingual and biliterate.
The purposes of the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy are as follows:
- To encourage pupils to study world languages;
- To certify attainment of biliteracy;
- To provide employers with a method to identify people with language and biliteracy skills;
- To provide universities with a method to recognize and give academic credit to incoming students; and
- To recognize and promote world language instruction in public schools.
Requirements
To qualify for a Seal of Biliteracy, a high school graduate must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in those classes; and
- Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated by passing a world language advanced placement examination with a score of 4 or higher or an International Baccalaureate Language B examination with a score of 5 or higher; provided, however, that for languages in which an advanced placement examination is not available, the Georgia Department of Education may provide a listing of equivalent summative examinations that local school systems may use in place of such an advanced placement examination.
International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS)
The International Skills Diploma Seal is awarded to graduating high school students who complete an international education curriculum and engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that foster the achievement of global competencies. It is a signal to employers and higher education institutions that a student is prepared to participate in the global economy. To be eligible to award this diploma seal, a high school must submit an application to the Georgia Department of Education for review.
Requirements
World Languages
- At least three credits in the same world language and/or ESOL
International Focus
- At least four credits in courses determined to have an international focus, such as international economics, world/non-US history, world geography, etc. (List posted on the GaDOE website)
- At least four extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes and/or in global contexts (e.g., exchange programs, international and language clubs, travel abroad)
- Twenty hours of community service involving a global/cross-cultural public service project
- Capstone presentation on the knowledge gained in the courses and activities listed above
GADOE Approved ISDS Schools in APS
| Year Approved | School Name |
|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | North Atlanta High Schools |
| 2016-2017 | Drew Charter Senior Academy |
| 2017-2018 | Carver Early College |
| Maynard Jackson High School | |
| 2018-2019 | Grady High School (Midtown) |
Contact Us
Ms. María Dunbar - Coordinator
maria.dunbar@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Katherine Mightzdradzinski - K-12 Instructional Coach
katherine.mightzd@apsk12.org
Phone 404-802-7580