Foreign Language Philosophy

 

The Akron Public Schools Foreign Language Curriculum is a research-based and standards-based program with high expectations for all students. It is designed to provide opportunities to develop linguistic and cultural proficiency in order to function in a multilingual, multicultural world. It is based on Ohio's Foreign Language Academic Content Standards and therefore shares the philosophy that a foreign language program integrates elements of language systems, communicative functions and cultural knowledge which:

• prepare students to use a language in addition to English to communicate appropriately in a pluralistic American society and with the global community;
• help students understand and appreciate other cultures' world views, unique ways of living and behavior patterns, as well as their contributions to humankind;
• equip students to interpret a variety of authentic live, print and technology-based resources to access knowledge related to all content areas;
• help students understand the nature of language systems, including their own, and how language and thought are inextricably linked;
• prepare students to pursue language learning on their own for personal enjoyment and enrichment and to advance career opportunities.