Starting this fall, students at SHS may now earn language credit in new, more flexible ways.
“We’re so excited to offer our students greater voice and choice in how they earn the state required world language credits,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jacob Duce said. “We can now better cater to students that may learn best through a digital platform. Additionally, what I’m most excited about is how we can now honor and recognize the existing language proficiency and culture of our students through this test out program. This is a game changer in terms of the level of inclusivity and flexibility it will offer our students.”
Students may now obtain language in four ways:
Two credits or more in either Spanish or ASL (this is the traditional SHS avenue for obtaining world language credits);
Two credits in French, using an online course at SHS;
Students who speak a native language may obtain credit by exam. SHS has a list of 46 languages from which native speakers can earn credit (courses can be viewed at this link: https://avantassessment.com/#languageList.) Students must demonstrate proficiency through a district-approved assessment.
Students who wish to become proficient in a language other than English that is not offered at SHS, may obtain credit by taking the course through a district-approved learning platform and then demonstrating proficiency through a district-approved assessment by July 1 of their junior year of high school.
Early this year, two Raiders obtained language credit by “testing out” of their native languages - one earning four credits of Russian. Freshman Ana Gomez obtained three years of her native Spanish by testing with SISD, as well.
“I took the test to get full language credits because I already know the language and I wanted to make the most of my time,” she said.”Getting these credits will help me focus on other subjects and electives, giving me the chance to explore different areas. With my schedule freed up, I'm planning to take activities that I always wanted to participate in, like Tech Theater.”
Gomez said her parents were pleased with the opportunity for their daughter to take advantage of such flexibility.
“My parents thought it was for the best, because that means that I would be able to show my Spanish skills and that I'm totally fluent in it,” Gomez said.
Students who wish to pursue this language opportunity should visit with their counselor.