Welcome to the World Language Department. We hope that this site will help you better understand our programs and course selections. For more information, contact you child’s school or Counseling Center.
In South Colonie World Languages courses, students will:
- Develop interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal skills that will enable them to meet communication needs in an ever-changing global community.
- Be able to utilize languages in culturally authentic situations, with increased confidence.
- Utilize critical thinking skills and develop cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Have the opportunity to earn general education-required credits through various local colleges and universities.
New York Seal of Biliteracy
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy is an opportunity for World Language students, English-Language Learners and students who speak another language at home, to earn a seal on their diplomas. This noteworthy accomplishment allows students (Grades 11-12) to showcase their ability to speak, listen, read and write at an Intermediate-High level, in two languages. This credential will be officially noted on high school transcripts and a seal will appear on student diplomas.
World Languages Department (Grades 7-12)
The South Colonie World Languages program begins in Grade 7 with Spanish or French. In addition to fulfilling NYSED requirements for Regents and Advanced Regents diplomas, our department strives to provide students with the opportunity to become college and career ready in an ever-changing global community. Beyond the courses required by New York State, students will have a number of options for college-credit courses during their eleventh and twelfth grade years.
New York State World Language Standards
Graduation Requirements
- After successfully completing Grades 7 and 8 French or Spanish, along with passing the Checkpoint A exam, students will earn their first high school credit in the language.
- All students scoring 65+ or above on the Grade 8 Checkpoint A Exam are required to continue World Language study through Checkpoint B.
- Students who did not pass a Checkpoint A Examination in Grade 8 must pass a high school world language course to fulfill the NYS graduation requirement.
- Students earning an Advanced Regents Diploma must complete 2 years of Checkpoint B World Language study and successfully complete the Checkpoint B Exam at the end of Level 3.
NYS Required Checkpoint Exams
- The Checkpoint A and B exams are assessments that measure a student’s language proficiency, with respect to the updated state standards.
- South Colonie administers the NYCAL Examinations, which are developed in collaboration with a consortium of many other schools, and must be taken on the predetermined date and time.