Foreign Language

World Languages

Bienvenue!  Bienvenidos! Wilkommen! Welcome to the Charleston County School District world languages web page!    As you read these words, think about language study because it is never just about words.  Language is the means we use to express our thoughts and feelings.  The study of language, therefore, is very much the study of human nature.  The National Foreign Language Standards state,"Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience."   When we embark on a journey to learn another language,  we begin an adventure that teaches us far more than nouns and verbs.  We become aware of the similarities and differences in languages and cultures and the unique ways others perceive the world around us.  We expand our own vision of the world and gain insight into the variety of human conduct and better prepare ourselves to become members of a global community.

Philosophy

The Charleston County School District believes that all students should have the opportunity to expand their academic and cultural experiences through the study of a world language.   As the world becomes increasing smaller as cultures and languages connect through technology, people cross borders effortlessly in all aspects of life and communication. Children growing up in this world must be better equipped educationally to become successful citizens of the world.  We believe that these students should develop proficiency in a language program where students are actively engaged in communicative activities.  The ability to communicate in more than one language in a global economy is a vital skill. 

Although the United States is isolated geographically, our students are connected and interacting frequently with other cultures and communities around the world.  As diversity increases, we need to prepare our students to fully appreciate all cultures through the study of world languages. Our world languages students study the historical, political, geographical and cultural aspects of the countries where the target language is spoken.  In a world languages classroom, standards provide the basis for the curriculum, instruction and assessment.  Culture is embedded in the instruction.  The performance based outcome approach to standards driven learning places the focus on what the students can do with the language they are learning. It is our goal that the exposure to new ideas and new people will enable our students to broaden their erspectives and be able to participate in multilingual communities at home and abroad.

Mission

The Charleston County School District World Languages Program is committed to academic excellence through language acquisition by offering students an opportunity to broaden cultural perspectives and promote communicative skills necessary to function in a global economy.

Rachel Amey
Curriculum Specialist
937-6484; 937-6595 (fax)
rachel_amey@charleston.k12.sc.us