Overview

The vision of DeKalb County School District’s World Languages is to provide students and staff the opportunity to develop an understanding of the interconnections of a global community.
The mission of DCSD World Languages is to equip all students with the strategies and skills to communicate proficiently, effectively, and independently in a world language; and to facilitate an appreciation of languages and cultures, as well as their own, in preparation for active participation in an inclusive, global society.
  • To support students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills by providing cross curricular connections;
  • To nurture compassion and empathy for all cultures through a challenging curriculum;
  • To provide professional learning to support teachers.
Two years of the same world language are required for an academic diploma. Three years of the same language are required for a diploma with distinction. Students are encouraged to take multiple years of the same language to improve language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and in understanding of culture and civilization.

Dual Language Immersion

DCSD offers Dual Language Immersion Programs at Ashford Park Elementary (German); Evansdale Elementary (French); Rockbridge Elementary (French); Pleasantdale Elementary (Spanish); and Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology (Spanish). The programs begin at the Kindergarten level.

The district implements a 50/50 dual language immersion model. Students are taught math, science, and literacy in the designated world language. During the second half of the day, in English, students study literacy, social studies and receive math support.

Georgia’s Seal of Biliteracy

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.
It also provides that:
  • 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

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