Overview
Vision
The fundamental purpose of the DeKalb County Schools World Languages Program is to heighten students’ interest in studying world languages and to provide equitable access to instruction and enrichment opportunities that enable students to learn and practice the skills necessary to achieve proficiency in their target languages. Our vision is to develop curious and culturally aware citizens of the global community who exhibit a passion for diverse linguistic and cultural experiences, a sensitivity to the language acquisition process, and an appreciation for the importance of world language proficiency in a global society.
Mission
The mission of the DeKalb County Schools World Languages Program is to produce graduates who achieve academic mastery of receptive and expressive language skills and who demonstrate advanced proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English as they progress through elementary, middle, and high school. We aim to increase the number of DeKalb County Schools graduates who ultimately earn the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy, and who gain a competitive edge in the 21st-century workforce by achieving a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in their target languages. In an increasingly global economy, language proficiency and cross-cultural competence are necessary for students to succeed professionally across a variety of career fields. As such, the DeKalb County Schools World Languages program is committed to preparing students to be fully engaged citizens of the global community by providing robust language education that fosters students’ appreciation for cultural diversity and international consciousness.
World Languages Department
Middle School
Get a Head Start by Earning One Carnegie Unit for High School Credit! Please contact your child’s school to learn more about requirements for earning this Carnegie Unit through the WL program! While the course to earn this credit is a rigorous high school language course, it prepares students for higher level language coursework at the high school level and ultimately for Georgia’s Seal of Biliteracy.
High School
The purpose of the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy is to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English.
- the student meets the requirements of biliteracy and bilingualism;
- employers have a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;
- universities are able to recognize and give academic credit to applicants seeking admission.
Qualifying for the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy
- Complete all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade average of 3.0 or above in those classes;
- Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated by passing a world language advanced placement exam with a score of 4 or higher; an international baccalaureate examination with a score of 5 or higher; or other test approved by the Georgia Department of Education;
- The student will receive the Seal of Biliteracy at graduation. If a student takes the AP exam in the spring of the year of their graduation, students will receive their Seal of Biliteracy in the mail the following fall.
- Students need to take the AP exam or IB SL or HL language B exam if it is available at the school. (Tier 1)
- Students who wish to take an exam in a language that is not listed on the chart should notify his/her teacher. The teacher will contact the Coordinator of World Languages for guidance and approval.
Seal of Biliteracy Approved Tests/Agencies
| Test Name | Testing Organization | Minimum Qualifying Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | AP Language Exams | College Board | 4 |
| SL or HL Language B Exam | International Baccalaureate | 5 | |
| Tier 2 | OPI or OPIc and WPT | Language Testing International | Intermediate High |
| When Tier 1 tests are not available at the school for the tested language |
STAMP Test | Avant-STAMP 4S Assessments | 6 |
| AvantWorldspeak | Avant | Intermediate High | |
| ALTA Speaking/Writing Tests | ALTA Language Testing | 1+ | |
| ACTFL-(AAPPL) | Language Testing International | Intermediate High | |
| ACTFL-(ALIRA) Latin | Language Testing International | Intermediate 4 | |
| DELE- Spanish | Cervantes Institute | B1 | |
| SIELE-Spanish Language | Sevicio International de Evaluación de la Lengua Española | B1 | |
| DSD German | German Educational Ministers Office | DSD Level 1 | |
| DELF- French | International Center for French Studies | Level B1 | |
| Youth Chinese Test (YCT) | Haban | Level 3 | |
| HSK-Chinese | Haban | Level 3 | |
| SLPI-ASL | National Technical Institute for the Deaf | Intermediate Plus | |
| ASLPI-ASL | GALLAUDET | 3+ | |
| TOPIK-Korean | National Institute International Education (NIIED) | 4 | |
| Ellinomatheia exam Greek | CGL (Center for the Greek Language | Level B1 |
Dual Language Immersion Programs
DCSD offers Dual Language Immersion Programs at the following schools:
| School | Language |
|---|---|
| Ashford Park Elementary School | German |
| Barack H. Obama Magnet School of Technology | Spanish |
| Evansdale Elementary School | French |
| Pleasantdale Elementary School | Spanish |
| Rockbridge Elementary School | French |
Additionally, DLI opportunities continue at the following schools:
| School | Language |
|---|---|
| Chamblee MS | German |
| Henderson MS | French |
| Stone Mountain MS | French |
Please contact the individual school for more information.