World+Languages+Team

**Data as it pertains to us:**
We use reading strategies for texts in our target language:
 * we encourage our students to look for cognates, make predictions, retell stories
 * global readings to detail readings: We discuss what is the point of a text, what do you understand
 * we encourage pre-reading activities: looking at titles, pictures, using context clues
 * we start with what they know, moving towards what they do not know

We use process writing:
 * Brainstorming for vocabulary in target language
 * Introductions / conclusions
 * Test Essays, topic sentences
 * peer editing
 * we require many types of writing: compare / contrast, persuasive, creative, expository

Vocabulary work: Grammar:
 * Expansion of vocabulary through derivations and cognates
 * proper usage
 * modeling extended vocabulary
 * defining words
 * using synonyms, antonyms
 * circumlocution
 * topical vocabulary-- making connections to other disciplines through art, history, culture, science, geography, health, driver's ed, math (basic)
 * we reinforce parts of speech
 * subject / verb agreement
 * singular / plural
 * consistency of verb tenses
 * recognizing patterns in language

**Instruction:**

 * Thinking outside of the box-- encouraging divergent thinking: we can accept more than 1 answer, encourage students to say things in more than one way, to give more than one answer
 * instruct / encourage students in study skills, organization, note taking
 * talk about test-taking skills

Programming:

 * Reduce the number of hours of instructional time that are lost to extra curricular activities and early dismissals

What applies to us:

 * focus on reading skills, vocabulary development, critical thinking and writing
 * encourage our students to work with care, taking pride in their work, look beyond the "grade"
 * requiring test correction
 * spiral curriculum
 * coaching students on what testing is really about through individual student feedback and teacher/student conferencing
 * creative use of language, offering alternative assessments, field trips, real-life applications

Suggestions to encourage participation:

 * Add a stamp / commendation on diploma
 * include level of proficiency on transcript
 * equate to a practice SAT
 * meet with "fringe" students individually-- choose a mentor teacher to personally encourage student and hold them accountable, or utilize mentors as more than "folder holders"
 * watch for family results
 * "Be the change you wish to see in the world "(our school)-- Gandhi

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