A Proficiency-Based Curriculum: The Upper Arlington’s nationally recognized program follows the proficiency model of the American Council of Teachers of World Languages. A proficiency-based global language curriculum establishes specific performance levels of language achievement.  Students should aim to demonstrate proficiency in the three modes of communication:  Interpersonal, Interpretive, Presentational. These modes incorporate the skill areas of listening/viewing, speaking/signing, reading and writing.  

For Students Enrolling in Global Language: Students enrolled in all global language courses should demonstrate proficiency in the three areas of communication at a minimum holistic score of “6” (on a scale from one to nine).  Those who do not demonstrate proficiency will receive credit for their present language course as long as they receive a passing grade. However, because the proficiency score is a predictor of success in the next level, students who do not demonstrate proficiency will be recommended to not advance to the next level. 

The Global Language Resource Center: The Global Languages Resource Center (GLRC) is staffed with teachers who serve as mentors to provide additional opportunities for students to practice the language.  Teachers in GLRC help students:

1.0 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
Prerequisites: Identification of needing ELL services

The study of the language and culture of the English-speaking world leading to the ability to function in academic and everyday situations. Designed for individuals whose primary language is not English. This course focuses on English as a global language.

1 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish Fee:  TBA

Prerequisites:  None

The foundation for language study begins in the 6th grade at which point students can opt to enroll in French, German or Spanish. They can continue with the same language for up to 7 years over the course of their 6-12 experience. Four Global Languages are offered at Upper Arlington High School: French, German, Spanish and American Sign Language.

At the Novice Level, emphasis is on learners becoming proficient in the three modes of communication at a basic level. Students are introduced to high-frequency vocabulary and grammatical structures and gradually build a foundation in understanding and communicating in the target language. Students begin to create with the language, communicate with other students about their personal interests and activities.  Fundamental grammar concepts are introduced at this level to help students develop insight into the nature of language and to support effective communication. Students learn strategies to facilitate and enhance their language acquisition and help them become independent learners.

Below are the descriptors for the four languages offered at the Novice level: 

In this course students will develop the ability to have conversations in American Sign Language. The three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational will be practiced in the classroom. ASL students at UAHS have the unique opportunity to communicate with the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing community right here within these walls, as well as members of the Deaf community of Columbus! We will explore Deaf culture and Deaf history while using ASL. Activities in the classroom are hands-on and are designed to engage the learners through the use of various games, projects, and practical use of the target language. Students will be able to articulate personal interests and activities on topics such as school, family and travel. 

In this course we will investigate multiple Spanish speaking countries, learning about their culture while using the Spanish language. Students will explore the tastes (food), sounds (music), and traditions of Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, and the Dominican     Republic. Students will communicate with each other and the teacher in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Activities in the classroom may include celebrations of holidays such as Día de los Muertos and El Año Nuevo, preparation of Hispanic food, and exposure to music and dance such as Salsa, Merengue and Flamenco. 

Food brings communities together, and in this prototype, you will get the chance to learn vocabulary while you try your hand at French foods and its food culture. We will follow French chefs, learn about different regional foods, and make some at school and taste it together. We will study French table culture, and the importance of French institutions such as cafés, bistros, and restaurants in French life, while always having regular interactions with our French partner school in Arles. While the curriculum and learning outcomes will be the same as the previous Novice French courses taught at UAHS, this course will bring the language to life by engaging students in food, the heart of culture itself. 

At the Novice level, emphasis is on learners becoming proficient in German at a basic level while learning about the cultures of the German-speaking countries. This course brings language to life as students experience games, music, food, and the customs and traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Students communicate with each other and the teacher in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students build their language and intercultural skills through collaborative and interactive activities.

1 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

(1 period per day for 1 year)

Spanish Fee: TBA

Prerequisites:  Novice Level I

At the Intermediate Level, learners continue to develop proficiency in the three modes of communication. They communicate, create, and begin to problem - solve in the target language. Using a wide variety of materials, students deepen and broaden their treatment of personal and cultural topics. Interaction with increasingly sophisticated content requires learners to expand the range of their vocabulary as well as their knowledge of grammatical structures. At this level, learners improve their fluency and express themselves with more flexibility, detail and accuracy. Intermediate learners begin to think more critically about the world around them and develop greater insight into the practices, products, and perspectives of other cultures. As they continue to learn and refine strategies to facilitate and enhance their language acquisition, they become more independent learners.

1 credit — Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

(1 period per day for 1 year)

Spanish Fee:  TBA

Prerequisites:  Beginning Intermediate, Level II

At the Intermediate Level, learners continue to develop proficiency in the three modes of communication. They communicate, create, and begin to problem solve in the target language. Using a wide variety of materials, students deepen and broaden their treatment of personal and cultural topics. Interaction with increasingly sophisticated content requires learners to expand the range of their vocabulary as well as their knowledge of grammatical structures. At this level, learners improve their fluency and express themselves with more flexibility, detail and accuracy. Intermediate learners begin to think more critically about the world around them and develop greater insight into the practices, products, and perspectives of other cultures. As they continue to learn and refine strategies to facilitate and enhance their language acquisition, they become more independent learners.

1 credit — Grades 11, 12

(1 period per day for 1 year)

French Fee: TBA

Prerequisites:  Intermediate Mid-Level III

Intermediate High learners use their language skills to gain access to new bodies of knowledge. Learners at this level deepen and expand their comprehension and refine their communication skills. An ever-widening vocabulary base and greater control over more complex structures enable students to engage critically with topics of global importance. As their cultural knowledge increases, they are able to respond and interact with a higher degree of social and cultural appropriateness. The learner's interests, goals, and self-direction become increasingly important: They enhance the language experience and encourage independent life-long learning.

In addition, students learn specific strategies through specialized materials to prepare for the IB standard level and AP exams as well as other college placement tests. In these courses, the individual student’s motivation and dedication become essential in achieving success and making the transition to college level language study.

1 credit — Grade 12

(1 period per day for 1 year)

French Fee: TBA

German Fee: TBA

Spanish Fee: TBA for Spanish AP Exam workbook & $5.00 for National Spanish Exam

Prerequisites:  Intermediate High, Level IV

Intermediate High learners use their language skills to gain access to new bodies of knowledge. Learners at this level deepen and expand their comprehension and refine their communication skills. An ever-widening vocabulary base and greater control over more complex structures enable students to engage critically with topics of global importance. As their cultural knowledge increases, they are able to respond and interact with a higher degree of social and cultural appropriateness. The learners interests, goals, and self-direction become increasingly important: They enhance the language experience and encourage independent life-long learning.

In addition, students learn specific strategies through specialized materials to pre-pare for the IB standard level and AP exams as well as other college placement tests. In these courses, the individual student’s motivation and dedication become essential in achieving success and making the transition to college level language study.

1 credit — Grade 11, 12
(1 period per day for 1 year)
French Fee: TBA
Spanish Fee:  TBA for Novel & $5.00 for National Spanish Exam
Purchase of a Novel - TBA

Prerequisites:  Intermediate High, Level IV

Intermediate High learners use their language skills to gain access to new bodies of knowledge. Learners at this level deepen and expand their comprehension and refine their communication skills. An ever-widening vocabulary base and greater control over more complex structures enable students to engage critically with topics of global importance. As their cultural knowledge increases, they are able to respond and interact with a higher degree of social and cultural appropriateness. The learners interests, goals, and self-direction become increasingly important: They enhance the language experience and encourage independent life-long learning.

In addition, students learn specific strategies through specialized materials to prepare for the IB standard level and AP exams as well as other college placement tests. In these courses, the individual student’s motivation and dedication become essential in achieving success and making the transition to college level language study.

To be awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) for this course, students must complete all Internal & External Exams. Please consider this requirement when making your selections for course registration. Exam fees are paid for by the Upper Arlington School District.