New Colorado P-12 Academic Standards

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions (interpersonal mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Initiate, sustain, and conclude conversations (written or oral) in a variety of situations based on familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (interpersonal mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does the context (people, place, purpose) affect how people engage in conversations with those who speak another language?
2. How do particular words and phrases help to start, maintain, and end conversations more effectively?
3. How do misunderstandings occur and how can they be addressed?

Relevance & Application:

1. Communication via webinars and video conferences takes place in multiple languages.
2. Exchanging ideas and opinions with people from different cultures can provide new perspectives on local and international issues.

Nature Of:

1. Successful language learners find opportunities to communicate with other speakers of the target language.
2. Successful language learners recognize and correct their own errors and accept corrections from others.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics (interpretive mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Comprehend spoken or written language in a variety of situations based on familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (interpretive mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to correctly interpret what they hear and read in another language?
2. What strategies can people use to aid in comprehension?
3. How does background knowledge help in interpreting meaning?

Relevance & Application:

1. Written and spoken information in articles and videos on websites is available in multiple languages.
2. Negotiating meaning with people from different cultures contributes to mutual understanding in international personal and business relations.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that it takes a significant amount of time to become proficient in another language.
2. Successful language learners use and adapt comprehension strategies for various situations.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics (presentational mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

3. Present (written or oral) in a variety of situations based on familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (presentational mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to effectively present oral and written information in another language?
2. How does the audience affect the presentation?
3. Why is risk-taking important in presentations?

Relevance & Application:

1. Written and spoken information in archives and databases is available in multiple languages.
2. Translators and interpreters can make information in one language available to people who speak other languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that it takes a significant length of time to be proficient in another language.
2. Successful language learners use and adapt presentation strategies for different audiences and purposes.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions (interpersonal mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Initiate, sustain, and conclude conversations (written or oral) on a variety of familiar topics, using familiar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (interpersonal mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to conduct effective interpersonal communication with those who speak another language?
2. What communication strategies help maintain communication?
3. What can a person do when someone does not understand him/her?

Relevance & Application:

1. Communicating via email and on Internet blogs and career or personal networking websites takes place in multiple languages.
2. Exchanging ideas and information with people from different cultures can provide new perspectives on local and international issues.
3. Expressing basic needs is important for functioning in another culture.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners learn from their mistakes.
2. Language learners show interest in others.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics (interpretive mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Comprehend spoken or written language in a variety of situations based on familiar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (interpretive mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to correctly interpret what they hear and read in another language?
2. Why is grammar important?
3. How does context aid in understanding?

Relevance & Application:

1. Written and spoken information in articles and videos on websites is available in multiple languages.
2. Determining meaning in media from different cultures contributes to mutual understanding in international personal and business relations.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners learn from their mistakes.
2. Language learners read for understanding.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics (presentational mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

3. Present (written or oral) on a variety of familiar topics, using familiar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (presentational mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to effectively present oral and written information in another language?
2. When is it appropriate to take a risk?
3. How can presenters improve accuracy in their presentation?

Relevance & Application:

1. Written and spoken information in directories and reviews is available in multiple languages.
2. Translators and interpreters can make information in one language available to people who speak other languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners learn from their mistakes.
2. Language learners share their interests with others.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions (interpersonal mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Participate in exchanges (written or oral) on a variety of familiar topics using familiar vocabulary and learned grammatical structures (interpersonal mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to conduct effective interpersonal communication with those who speak another language?
2. What is the importance of accuracy in effective communication?
3. How do people communicate more effectively with a native speaker who is not accustomed to a language learner?

Relevance & Application:

1. Communicating via email and chat applications on websites takes place in multiple languages.
2. Exchanging information with people from different cultures can provide new perspectives on local and international issues.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that grammatical accuracy contributes to meaning.
2. Language learners take risks.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics (interpretive mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Comprehend exchanges (written or oral) on a variety of familiar topics using both high-frequency vocabulary, new vocabulary, and learned grammatical structures (interpretive mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to correctly interpret what they hear and read in another language?
2. How does sentence structure aid in comprehension?
3. Why is it important to follow instructions?

Relevance & Application:

1. Written and spoken information on web pages and in videos is available in multiple languages.
2. Determining meaning in short stories and informational documents from different cultures contributes to mutual understanding in international relations.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that grammatical accuracy contributes to meaning.
2. Language learners take risks.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics (presentational mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

3. Present (written or oral) on a variety of familiar topics using both high-frequency vocabulary, new vocabulary, and learned grammatical structures (presentational mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to effectively present oral and written information in another language?
2. How do writers choose a topic?
3. What are the essential elements of a story?

Relevance & Application:

1. Record and play back oral narratives, and brainstorm ideas using a tape recorder.
2. Bilingual or multilingual workers in airports, hotels, and hospitals can provide information to people who speak a variety of languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that grammatical accuracy contributes to meaning.
2. Language learners take risks.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions (interpersonal mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Participate in basic conversations (written or oral) on a variety of familiar and predictable topics using isolated words and learned phrases (interpersonal mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to conduct effective interpersonal communication with those who speak another language?
2. How do people use body language and gestures to communicate more effectively?
3. What is the importance of the use of expressions of courtesy in communication with speakers of another language?

Relevance & Application:

1. Simple surveys and instructions in videos and on websites appear in multiple languages.
2. Exchanging basic information with people from different cultures creates positive personal connections around the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners practice and repeat what they hear in the target language.
2. Language learners practice social courtesies.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics (interpretive mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Comprehend short exchanges (written or oral) that use learned vocabulary and grammatical structures on familiar topics (interpretive mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to correctly interpret what they hear and read in another language?
2. What can people do to better understand language?
3. What is the value of a guess?

Relevance & Application:

1. Labels, lists, and simple instructions on web pages and in videos are available in multiple languages.
2. Determining meaning in short stories and informational documents from different cultures helps create positive personal connections around the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners use background knowledge.
2. Language learners follow directions.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics (presentational mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

3. Present using learned and simple phrases or expressions (written or oral) on very familiar topics (presentational mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to effectively present oral and written information in another language?
2. How do visual cues enhance a presentation?
3. What is the importance of pronunciation and intonation?

Relevance & Application:

1. Record and play back verbal role-playing, and brainstorm ideas using a tape recorder.
2. Bilingual or multilingual workers at schools and in stores can provide information to people who speak a variety of languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners practice and present.
2. Language learners tell stories.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions (interpersonal mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Communicate about very familiar topics (written or oral) using isolated words and high-frequency phrases (interpersonal mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to conduct effective interpersonal communication with those who speak another language?
2. How do people show that they do not understand?
3. How do one know they are understood?

Relevance & Application:

1. Simple surveys on websites appear in multiple languages.
2. Exchanging words, phrases, and short messages with people from different cultures creates positive personal connections around the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners start with words to make meaning.
2. Language learners acquire and retain.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics (interpretive mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Comprehend isolated learned words and high-frequency phrases (written or oral) on very familiar topics (interpretive mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to correctly interpret what they hear and read in another language?
2. Why do cognates exist?
3. Why are there many languages in the world?

Relevance & Application:

1. Information on writing systems for languages around the world is available on web pages.
2. Understanding basic questions and commands in different languages helps people from different cultures create positive personal connections.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners start with words to make meaning.
2. Language learners acquire and preserve connections.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics (presentational mode)

Concepts and skills students master:

3. Present on very familiar topics (written or oral) using isolated words and high-frequency phrases (presentational mode)

Inquiry Questions:

1. What do people need to know, understand, and be able to do to effectively present oral and written information in another language?
2. Why memorize?
3. What is the impact of culture on language?

Relevance & Application:

1. Record and play aural playback lists, chants, and songs using a tape recorder.
2. Bilingual or multilingual signs and labels on streets and buildings can provide information to people who speak a variety of languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners start with words to make meaning.
2. Language learners acquire and retain.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Analyze how the perspectives of people who speak the target language are reflected in their practices

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the practices and the perspectives of a given culture allow one to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does cultural knowledge contribute to more socially acceptable interaction?
3. How can cultural understanding modify people's performance in their own culture?
4. How does globalization imply the understanding of what the cultures around the world have in common?

Relevance & Application:

1. Films and videos include depictions of personal interactions, traditions, and celebrations in other cultures.
2. Learning about cultures contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship, and personal fulfillment.
3. Studying other cultures facilitates a broader perspective of learning in other disciplines (such as literature and social sciences).

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that culture and language cannot be separated.
2. Language learners know that understanding culture is essential to authentic communication.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Analyze how products reflect practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the products and the perspectives of a given culture allow one to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does examining the media of a culture tell people more about the culture?
3. How are cultural values present in cultural products?

Relevance & Application:

1. Articles and documentaries provide information about the relationship between history and culture.
2. Archeologists study artifacts to contribute to the understanding of a culture's past.
3. Learning about tangible and expressive products contributes to a mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship, and a sense of personal fulfillment.
4. Tangible and expressive cultural products in a global context create opportunities for exchanges between cultures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand the role and importance of cultural products in the global community.
2. Language learners understand that products are inextricably linked to the culture they represent.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Draw conclusions using a personal understanding of the perspectives and practices of the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the practices and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does the study of a culture help one understand and appreciate other cultures' world views and unique ways of living and behavior patterns?
3. How have historical events influenced cultural practices?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites and video clips provide information on social interaction, traditions, and celebrations in other cultures.
2. International businesspeople with intercultural skills have a competitive edge for future success.
3. Studying other cultures provides opportunities for learning about other subjects (such as literature, social sciences).

Nature Of:

1. Language learners are able to defuse stereotypes.
2. Language learners are able to compare and contrast stereotypes.
3. Language learners recognize the presence of cultural practices in their daily lives.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Examine how the perspectives of people who speak the target language are reflected in their products

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the products and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. What messages are reflected through a culture's media?
3. How is the humor of a culture reflected through its expressive products?
4. Why have expressive products been such an integral part of every culture throughout history?

Relevance & Application:

1. Historians study the relationship of past and current events and cultural products.
2. Knowledge of the use of tangible and expressive products enhances the ability to interact with other cultures.
3. Studying tangible and expressive products of other cultures enhances a student's application of knowledge in other subjects (such as music, athletics, and math).

Nature Of:

1. Language learners recognize the presence of cultural products in their daily lives.
2. Language learners recognize the usefulness of cultural products in their daily lives.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Examine common practices and perspectives within the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the practices and the perspectives of a given culture allow one to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How do cultural values and attitudes impact daily practices?
3. How does cultural understanding improve by engaging with learners of other cultures?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites and video clips provide information on social interaction, traditions, and celebrations in other cultures.
2. Cultural understanding promotes a global outlook.
3. Studying other cultures enhances and facilitates knowledge in other subjects (e.g., social studies, literature, visual arts).

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that cultural similarities are just as important as the differences.
2. Language learners learn that culture is important to communication.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Examine familiar products of the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the products and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does advertising reflect the personality of a culture?
3. What impact do products from one culture have on another culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Artists and inventors around the world create products reflecting their culture.
2. The function of tangible and expressive products enhances understanding of other cultures.
3. Studying tangible and expressive products enhances and facilitates knowledge in other subjects (such as music, athletics, math, and history).

Nature Of:

1. Language learners experience cultural products.
2. Language learners realize that the use of products varies among cultures.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Reproduce common practices of the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the practices and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does body language impact spoken language, and how does spoken language impact body language?
3. Why does every culture have its own traditions and celebrations?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites and video clips provide information on communicative gestures, traditions, and celebrations in other cultures.
2. Understanding cultural diversity helps people to connect across cultures.
3. Studying other cultures enhances a student's understanding of interpersonal and societal relationships.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners are curious about practices and perspectives.
2. Language learners acknowledge that cultural similarities and differences exist.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Describe familiar products of the cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the products and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. What insights can be made about a culture by looking at its products?
3. What can be inferred about a culture through its expressive products?
4. What purposes do expressive products serve since they are not critical to daily functioning?

Relevance & Application:

1. Musicians' performances and costumes reflect elements of their culture.
2. Tangible and expressive products are tools for understanding other cultures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners enjoy learning about cultural products.
2. Language learners are curious about cultural products.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Identify common practices within the target cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the practices and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. What do greetings and gestures say about a culture?
3. What attitudes and values are reflected in traditions and celebrations?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites and video clips provide information on communicative gestures, traditions, and celebrations in other cultures.
2. People from different cultures can interact with each other in multiple ways.
3. A variety of societal norms and behaviors exist in cultures throughout the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners begin to see that differences exist among cultures.
2. Language learners begin to learn about traditions and celebrations.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Identify common products of the target cultures studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of the relationship between the products and the perspectives of a given culture allow people to communicate with those who speak the language of that culture?
2. How does a student develop cultural understanding by examining the products of another culture?
3. How is the culture of a people reflected in its expressive products?
4. Why are certain foods popular or staples in some cultures, but never have that status in others (such as crumpets)?

Relevance & Application:

1. Dancers' and mimes' costumes and performances reflect elements of their culture.
2. Every culture produces a variety of tangible and expressive products.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that products vary among cultures.
2. Language learners point out products that are different from their own cultural experiences.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Analyze information gathered from target language resources connected to other content areas

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture increase people's ability to function in a variety of content areas in an interdisciplinary manner?
2. What is the connection between the study of another language and other content areas?
3. How does the study of other content areas help with the acquisition of other languages?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites and videos contain information about politicians and governments throughout history around the world.
2. Connections with other content areas are vital in the 21st century.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners recognize the diversity of the world and its interrelated nature as well.
2. Language learners recognize the complexity of the language acquisition process.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Evaluate information and viewpoints present in authentic resources

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture broaden people's ability to access information and to appreciate a variety of distinctive viewpoints?
2. How can people determine perspective in authentic sources?
3. How do cultural aspects shape perspectives in that culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Connections with other cultures develop a global outlook.
2. Authentic food can be vastly different than a commercial approach.
3. Bona fide Asian poetry has a historical and authentic reference to stories unlike modern imitations.

Nature Of:

1. Language learning provides skills and helps develop interests beyond the limits of a person's formal education.
2. Extending student access to information through the use of the target language increases student abilities to know and do.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Assess the usefulness of information gathered from target language resources for application in other content areas

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture increase people's ability to function in a variety of content areas in an interdisciplinary manner?
2. How does the knowledge of cognates help make inferences in other content areas?

Relevance & Application:

1. Biographies on the Internet describe the lives of important writers, thinkers, and inventors throughout history around the world.
2. Application of concepts and information from other content areas provides a richer dimension of understanding and utility.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that cultural connections are fascinating.
2. Using a target language to acquire information empowers students with knowledge, no matter what the topic or content area.
3. Language learners begin to desire compelling information in other subjects in order to make richer relationships with the language studied

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Examine information and viewpoints present in authentic resources

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture broaden people's ability to access information and to appreciate a variety of distinctive viewpoints?
2. What is the value of an authentic source?
3. What is the impact of point of view?

Relevance & Application:

1. Connecting with other languages contributes to a mutual understanding and a sense of global citizenship.
2. The Internet allows people to access a variety of authentic resources that express varying viewpoints.

Nature Of:

1. Learning another language adds unique experiences and insights.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Examine information gathered from target language resources connected to other content areas

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture increase people's ability to function in a variety of content areas in an interdisciplinary manner?
2. How does understanding a world language help in another content area?
3. How can someone relate world language knowledge to another content area?

Relevance & Application:

1. Web-based newspapers and magazines describe artist and art exhibitions throughout the world.
2. Language learning contributes to expansion of vocabulary in a person's own language and the target language.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners understand that cultural connections are important.
2. Connecting the target language curriculum with other parts of the students' academic lives open doors to information and experiences that enrich the students' entire school and life experience.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Relate information acquired from authentic resources to individual perspectives and experiences

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture broaden people's ability to access information and to appreciate a variety of distinctive viewpoints?
2. What is the importance of comparing experiences with those of a native speaker?
3. What can people do to connect with a native speaker?

Relevance & Application:

1. Movies and documentaries put in context the perspective of a target language.
2. Learning languages contributes to personal fulfillment.
3. Knowing presentational skills and examples of oratory in a target language improves communication.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners are able to extract increasingly detailed information from authentic resources.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Summarize information gathered from target language resources connected to other content areas

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture increase people's ability to function in a variety of content areas in an interdisciplinary manner?
2. What does studying a language have in common with the study of other subjects?
3. What study skills from world languages transfer and are applicable to other content areas?

Relevance & Application:

1. Websites provide information on transportation methods, routes, and schedules for cities and countries around the world.
2. Studying another language will increase the understanding of language commonalities and differences.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners are able to compare and contrast basic information about topics for which they have some previous knowledge.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Organize information acquired from authentic resources

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture broaden people's ability to access information and to appreciate a variety of distinctive viewpoints?
2. How can a student rely on previous understandings and experiences to evaluate and interpret new information?
3. What are ways to organize information?

Relevance & Application:

1. Language learning enhances brain development.
2. Language learners build greater awareness of world cultures through use of the Internet.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners develop the ability to extract basic information from authentic resources.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Identify information that can be gathered from target language resources connected to other content areas

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture increase people's ability to function in a variety of content areas in an interdisciplinary manner?
2. How does studying a language help?
3. How does one acquire a language?

Relevance & Application:

1. Learning a different language leads to greater understanding of an individual's own language.
2. Websites provide information on geographical and weather maps for areas in all parts of the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize there are resources available in the target language about topics they study in other classes.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Use authentic resources to locate basic information

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does an understanding of another language and culture broaden people's ability to access information and to appreciate a variety of distinctive viewpoints?
2. Where can people find a target language outside of the classroom?
3. Why is using background knowledge important?

Relevance & Application:

1. International examples of search engines both enlarge one's perspectives but also permit one to better access a target language. Studying another language will promote increased cultural awareness.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that there are other languages and cultures different from their own.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Analyze the significance of the similarities and differences between the target language and the student's own language

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of the nature of language?
2. How does a student improve language accuracy by evaluating grammatical accuracy?
3. In what way does the study of another language develop an individual's ability to assess critical thinking skills?

Relevance & Application:

1. Historical linguists use databases and historical records to study the history of various languages and language groups.
2. Applied linguists compare and contrast the structures of different languages to understand language acquisition processes.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners realize that it takes a significant amount of time to become proficient in a language.
2. Language learners embrace the target language and further pursue opportunities for enrichment.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Analyze the significance of the similarities and differences between the target culture(s) and the student's own culture

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of culture and society?
2. How can the assessment of diverse cultures cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the multilingual world?
3. How does language study challenge and alter a student's understanding and appreciation of his/her own culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Anthropologists compare and contrast cultural perspectives and products to gain insight on cross-cultural interaction.
2. People traveling or working in various cultures can better adapt and communicate when they understand differences and commonalities among cultural practices and products around the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners recognize the effect of culture upon the target language.
2. Language learners analyze various media for cultural differences.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Recognize how the significance of the similarities and differences between the target language and the student's own language provides insight into the structures of their own language

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of the nature of language?
2. How does a student improve language accuracy by analyzing grammatical accuracy?
3. In what way does the study of another language develop an individual's ability to analyze critical thinking skills?

Relevance & Application:

1. Linguists use interviews and records of written and spoken literature to analyze the sentence structures of a variety of languages.
2. Sociolinguists study how pronunciation varies across cultures based on location, education, age, and ethnicity.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners develop an understanding of proficiency.
2. Language learners embrace and accept the differences reflected in the target language.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Compare the similarities and differences between the target culture(s) and the student's own culture

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of culture and society?
2. How can the analysis of diverse cultures cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the multilingual world?
3. How does language study create a student's understanding and appreciation of his/her own culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Anthropologists study the similarities and differences among various artistic products created by cultures around the world.
2. Travel writers examine and describe cultural practices and perspectives in regions and countries around the world.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners compare and contrast their own culture with the target culture.
2. Language learners examine various media for cultural differences.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Describe the similarities and differences between structural patterns of the target language through comparisons of the student's own language and the language studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of the nature of language in general?
2. How does a student improve language accuracy by describing grammatical accuracy?
3. How does the study of another language develop an individual's ability to categorize critical thinking skills?

Relevance & Application:

1. Linguists use databases, dictionaries, and records of written and spoken literature to analyze the structures of words and word parts in a variety of languages.
2. Applied linguists determine which languages are harder or easier to learn by studying the types of errors learners make when learning different languages.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners are developing an understanding of language acquisition.
2. Language learners gain an increased awareness of the target language through increased opportunities to communicate in authentic situations.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Describe the nature of culture through comparisons of the target culture(s) and the student's own culture and how the two cultures interact

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of culture and society in general?
2. How can the description of diverse cultures cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the multilingual world?
3. How does language study demonstrate a student's understanding and appreciation of his/her own culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Understanding different concepts of time and relationships in various cultures can help people working or traveling in other cultures to behave politely and helpfully.
2. People who create new artistic and tangible products can find ideas by studying comparable products in other cultures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners develop an understanding of the target language culture.
2. Language learners role-play and demonstrate a variety of cultural differences.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Expand knowledge of similarities and differences of basic structural patterns of language through comparisons of the student's own language and the language studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of the essentials of language in general?
2. How does a student improve language accuracy by identifying grammatical accuracy?
3. How does the study of another language develop an individual's ability to organize critical thinking skills?

Relevance & Application:

1. Linguists use voice recording instruments and computer programs to analyze sounds and sound systems in a variety of languages.
2. Sociolinguists study how words from one language are introduced and used in another language.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners become aware of how long it takes to learn a language.
2. Language learners explore opportunities to communicate with speakers of the target language.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Investigate the nature of culture through comparisons of the target culture(s) and the student's own culture and how the two cultures interact

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding and appreciation of culture and society in general?
2. How can the identification of diverse cultures cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the multilingual world?
3. How does language study develop a student's understanding and appreciation of his/her own culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Understanding different ideas about food and eating practices can help people working or traveling in other cultures to behave politely and helpfully.
2. People who send products to other countries for charity or business need to understand differences and similarities in products and perspectives between cultures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners describe a variety of cultural differences.
2. Language learners research and report on cultural differences.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

1. Identify similarities and differences of the most basic vocabulary through comparisons of the student's own language and the language studied

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of the essentials of language in general?
2. How does a student identify most basic vocabulary and language patterns within his/her own language and the language studied?
3. How does the study of another language develop an individual's ability to identify and understand critical thinking skills?

Relevance & Application:

1. Linguists use databases, dictionaries, and interviews to analyze the meanings of words and phrases in a variety of languages.
2. Language researchers study word games (such as tongue twisters) in a variety of languages to learn about sounds and word structures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners experiment with a new language.
2. Language learners are eager to learn a language.

Prepared Graduates: (Click on a Prepared Graduate Competency to View Articulated Expectations)

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own

Concepts and skills students master:

2. Identify and recognize the nature of culture through comparisons of the target culture(s) and the student's own culture

Inquiry Questions:

1. How does knowledge of another language enhance people's understanding of culture and society in general? (DOK 1-3)
2. How can the recognition of diverse cultures cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the multilingual world? (DOK 1-2)
3. How does language study increase a student's understanding and appreciation of his/her own culture?

Relevance & Application:

1. Understanding games and songs around the world can help people working or traveling in other cultures to make friends.
2. People who buy or sell things in other cultures need to understand differences and similarities in products and perspectives between cultures.

Nature Of:

1. Language learners identify cultural similarities.
2. Language learners recognize and list significant cultural differences.