Global Language Department Information

The study of a foreign language is an option for all students; however, it is an option which students and their parents should weigh seriously. As students prepare themselves for an expanding global experience in the work world as well as in their personal development, it becomes increasingly important to be able to communicate with other members of the world community and to understand their culture.

Therefore, Whitnall offers the study of two foreign languages: French and Spanish.

Whitnall Foreign Language Program

The community served by the Whitnall School District places great value in providing foreign language study for its children. Therefore, five levels of two languages- French and Spanish- are offered as electives. An emphasis is placed on teaching for communication skills, both oral and written.

All students are eligible to begin their language study, entering 6th grade in the middle school or at any level in the high school. The prerequisite for each succeeding level is the successful completion of the previous level or teacher recommendation.

Foreign Language Lab- Whitnall High School students have access to a full featured state-of-the-art language lab. Students use this lab as a valuable resource in practicing speaking and listening skills. From this lab students can access the Internet to visit sites around the world.

Why Study a Foreign Language?

*enhances one’s view of the world
*develops the intellect; learning how to learn
*teaches and encourages respect for other peoples
*contributes to cultural awareness and literacy
*builds practical skills ( for travel or commerce)
*encourages critical reflection on the relation of language and culture, language and thought, and language and human culture
*improves the knowledge of one’s own language through comparison and contrast with the foreign language
*exposes the learner to modes of thought outside the native language
*expands opportunities for meaningful leisure activity ( travel, reading, viewing foreign films)
*contributes to achievement of national goals, such as economic development or national security
*contributes to the creation of one’s personality

Other benefits:

*High school foreign language students perform significantly
better in the SAT verbal exam than non-foreign-language
students; SAT verbal scores increase successively with each
half year of foreign language study (national standards)

*Foreign language study gives students the “edge” needed to succeed at higher levels in
some other subjects

* Students who complete foreign language courses in high
school tend to have higher scores on the ACT exams in English
and math regardless of ability level

*testing out of college foreign language requirements

*16 retro-active credits available in UWM system ($)