World Languages Department

WHY STUDY WORLD LANGUAGE?

National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) from Dept. of Defense (2005) funds language programs K-16 to increase proficiency in language and culture to be competitive in today’s global society

Summit of US University Presidents in Washington, DC (2006)- Dept. of Defense and Condoleezza Rice presented NSLI. University presidents began to improve programs by increasing language requirements for acceptance and college graduation

1. Proven to raise SAT scores
2. Increase cultural awareness and sensitivity
3. Have a better understanding of English syntax
4. Colleges now requiring 3 years of language grades 9-12, recommending 4 years of the same language

WHICH LANGUAGES DOES ASHS OFFER?

1. FRENCH: French is the official language of 28 countries and is considered a “Critical Language” in the NSLI because of the large number of Caribbean and African countries that speak it.
2. LATIN: For students who prefer a primarily written language and/or who want to focus on grammar and structure.
3. SPANISH: Spanish is the official language of 20 countries and is considered a “Critical Language” in NSLI.
4. GERMAN: German is the most widely spoken language in Europe and has one of the strongest economies in the world and is a top exporter.
5. MANDARIN CHINESE: is the most spoken language in the world and also considered a critical language in NSLI

HOW DO I PICK WHICH LANGUAGE TO STUDY IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Ideally, a student will continue the language begun in the junior high school to develop a high level of proficiency in that language by 12th grade.

A student may choose to start a new language in high school. Once a student chooses a language, the student should try to reach the highest level possible in that language.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THESE COLLEGES AND ONES LIKE THEM REQUIRE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF LANGUAGE STUDY (Grades 9-12) TO BE ACCEPTED?

1. Bryn Mawr College  
2. Dickinson College
3. Franklin & Marshall College
4. Gettysburg College
5. Grove City College  
6. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
7. Kutztown University 
8. Lincoln University
9. Lock Haven University 
10. Penn State University
11. Shippensburg University 
12. Slippery Rock
13. St. Joseph’s University 
14. Susquehanna University
15. University of Pennsylvania 
16. Villanova University
17. Westminster College 
18. University of Delaware
19. Georgetown University 
20. Howard University
21. State University of New York 
22. New York University
23. Colgate University  
24. Columbia University
25. Cornell University  
26. Fordham University
27. Loyola University  
28. University of Maryland
29. Florida State University 
30. University of Miami

**Abington Senior High School strongly recommends a minimum of four years of language study and takes pride in the numbers of students who study languages for an even longer sequence.
**Studies have shown that long sequences of language study result in higher SAT scores over any other variable studied.

For fluency and skills competency, three to five years’ study of the same language is more desirable than two years of one language plus two years of another.

The level five (V) Honors courses are considered Advanced Placement courses with preparation for the AP examinations.

Teachers