Grade Levels

High School

HS LogoThe goal of the World Language program is to prepare students to communicate effectively with speakers of a different language.

Why is learning another language essential for Bismarck students? It is important to prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world where language and communication with other cultures is essential. World language study brings many academic and cognitive benefits to students. It has been shown to positively affect standardized test scores, such as the SAT and ACT. Learning another language strengthens critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Finally, world language study enhances students’ respect for and raises awareness of other cultures, as well as providing a competitive edge in career and personal life.

BPS (Lang Depts)
BHS CHS LHS

Communication
Goal 1
Cultures
Goal 2
Connections
Goal 3
Comparisons
Goal 4
Communities
Goal 5

IWL-HS.G1 Goal 1:

Communications

Communicate effectively in more than one language to function in a variety of situations

Interpersonal Communication is spontaneous, unrehearsed, two-way communication through listening, speaking, reading, signing, facial expressions, and body language in the target language such as texting, conversation, letters, etc. Both parties negotiate meaning and ask for clarification. The learner will understand and will also be understood.

IWL-HS.G1.01 Learners interact effectively with spoken, signed, or written exchanges sharing information, reactions, feelings, and opinions.

Interpretive Communication is one-way communication through listening, reading, or viewing in which the learner engages with a variety of print and non-print materials, including multimedia, visual actions, and images that convey meaning. The learner will extract meaning and use the information for personal or community enrichment.

IWL-HS.G1.02 Learners understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read, or viewed on a variety of topics.

Presentational Communication is the polished, edited, rehearsed, or impromptu presentation of information in the target language such as presenting original skits, practiced speeches, written or oral stories, essays, etc. The learner will present information to an audience of readers, listeners, or viewers.

IWL-HS.G1.03 Learners present information, concepts, and ideas to various audiences of listeners, readers, and viewers.


IWL-HS.G2 Goal 2:

Cultures

Interact with cultural competence and understanding.

The study of additional languages enables learners to understand and interact appropriately with related cultures.

Therefore, learners need to develop an awareness of cultures, and their patterns of social interactions (practices), tangible and intangible contributions (products), and the attitudes and views of the world behind both (perspectives). Understanding additional cultures often results in empathy and greater self-awareness. Learners need to understand relationships among products, practices, and perspectives and how they relate to the learner's own culture, customs, and traditions.

Relating Cultural Practices to Perspectives
Practices to Perspectives Image

IWL-HS.G2.01 Learners investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship of practices to the customs, traditions, and perspectives of the cultures studied
  • IWL-HS.G2.01.a Describe and analyze cultural characteristics and behaviors in everyday life.
  • IWL-HS.G2.01.b Produce language and behaviors that are appropriate to the target culture.
  • IWL-HS.G2.01.c Discuss issues and challenges that affect practices in the cultures studied.
  • IWL-HS.G2.01.d Analyze and discuss some commonly held generalizations about the cultures studied.

Relating Cultural Products to Perspectives
Products to Perspectives

IWL-HS.G2.02 Learners investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship of products to the customs, traditions, and perspectives of the cultures studied.
  • IWL-HS.G2.02.a Analyze the contributions of the cultures studied.
  • IWL-HS.G2.02.b Analyze the relationship among cultural perspectives, customs, and traditions as represented in expressive forms of the cultures studied.


IWL-HS.G3 Goal 3:

Connections

Connect with other disciplines and acquire information and diverse perspectives to apply the language in academic and career-related situations

The study of languages provides multiple opportunities to connect with other disciplines either formally or informally, thereby expanding the educational experiences of all learners.

It benefits their growth in other disciplines and encourages the transfer, enrichment and strengthening of information. The learners' access to information and diverse perspectives through the use of another language and culture increases their abilities in both academic and career-related settings

Making Connections

IWL-HS.G3.01 Learners build, reinforce, and expand their knowledge of other disciplines while using the language to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • IWL-HS.G3.01.a Transfer and apply information and skills from other content areas to experiences related to the target language and cultures.
  • IWL-HS.G3.01.b Identify and organize authentic target language sources for use in other content areas.

Acquiring Information and Diverse Perspectives

IWL-HS.G3.02 Learners access, evaluate, and reflect upon diverse perspectives and information available through the language and its cultures.
  • IWL-HS.G3.02.a Organize and incorporate information acquired from authentic target language sources in the classroom and beyond.
  • IWL-HS.G3.02.b Access and evaluate authentic sources and the diverse perspectives of the target language and cultures.


IWL-HS.G4 Goal 4:

Comparisons

Develop insight into the nature of language and culture to interact with cultural competence.


Experiencing a second language increases a learner's ability to reflect on their first language. Language Comparisons focus on the impact of learning linguistic elements of a new language and develop the ability to examine their own language. Cultural Comparisons help learners gain a deeper understanding of cultures and how they are similar to and different from their own. Learners develop both critical thinking abilities and an awareness and appreciation of alternate views.

Language Comparisons
IWL-HS.G4.01 Learners investigate, explain, and reflect on the nature of language through comparisons of two or more languages
  • IWL-HS.G4.01.a Explain similarities and differences between two or more languages
  • IWL-HS.G4.01.b Apply familiar sound and structural patterns of the target language and compare to other languages
  • IWL-HS.G4.01.c Compare and contrast idiomatic expressions among languages
Cultural Comparisons
IWL-HS.G4.02 Learners investigate, explain, and reflect on the concept of culture through comparisons of two or more languages
  • IWL-HS.G4.02.a Summarize and explain the similarities and differences in verbal and nonverbal behaviors among cultures
  • IWL-HS.G4.02.b Recognize, compare, and contrast cross-cultural similarities and differences in the practices, products, and perspectives of the cultures studied

IWL-HS.G5 Goal 5:

Communities

Interact with and celebrate multilingual communities with cultural competence at home and around the world.
School and Community
IWL-HS.G5.01 Learners investigate, explain, and reflect on the nature of language through comparisons of two or more languages
  • IWL-HS.G5.01.a Interact and collaborate in the target language in school and community situations.
  • IWL-HS.G5.01.b Establish connections with the cultures studied using technology, media, and authentic sources.
  • IWL-HS.G5.01.c Participate in opportunities to use the target language within and beyond the school community.
Lifelong Learner
IWL-HS.G5.02 Learners set goals and reflect on personal progress in using languages for enjoyment, enrichment, advancement, and in celebrations.
  • IWL-HS.G5.02.a Regularly self-assess goals on the progress made and material learned, and then set new goals.
  • IWL-HS.G5.02.b Investigate benefits and opportunities that go along with learning the target language.
  • IWL-HS.G5.02.c Use various media in the target language.
Value and Celebrate Communities and Languages
IWL-HS.G5.03 Learners value and promote Indigenous, heritage, and native languages and show interest in efforts to preserve and revitalize those that are endangered through active engagement in language and cultural activities.
  • IWL-HS.G5.03.a Participate in intergenerational community events pertaining to any language and culture.
  • IWL-HS.G5.03.b Participate in events that celebrate languages and cultures.
  • IWL-HS.G5.03.c Interact and engage in dialogue with Indigenous, heritage, or native language users.