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Languages Other Than English » Languages Other Than English

Languages Other Than English

World graph showing other languages

LOTE Department Goals

We believe that students can love to learn a new language by making every class an opportunity to learn more about themselves, each other, and the world around them. Becoming a confident bilingual speaker without the use of computer technology is necessary for students to “go forth and serve” in our interconnected world.  Our LOTE programming, which is beginning to implement Acquisition Driven Instruction, will fully prepare students for the call.  Acquisition Driven Instruction incorporates comprehensible input strategies and allows for the development of language proficiency in the four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking (ACTFL).  

Academic benefits of global language study:

While some colleges and the HPHS Alpha Diploma require only two years of study in the same language, competitive colleges and the HPHS Alpha Plus Diploma require three years of the same language.  Many studies demonstrate that no other course strengthens a student's command of English more than a foreign language. Additionally, foreign language students tend to score higher on college entrance exams. 

Academic progression through HPHS:

Students who study modern language through Level 2 will have knowledge of a language and culture that permits them to function in familiar social and limited work situations.  This is the Intermediate low to mid level (ACTFL). Students who continue at HPHS through Level 3 or higher have the potential to reach ACTFL levels of Intermediate Mid to Advanced.  These speakers can carry on a conversation and interact with native speakers. Our AP and Honors courses prepare students for rigorous college-level linguistics courses that focus on literary works of art and Advanced levels of intercommunication (ACTFL).

FAQ:
What languages do you teach?
Spanish, French, Latin and Chinese
 
Do you have honor societies?
Yes.  We have Spanish, French, and Latin honor societies where you can gain important leadership experience and even service hours.
 
Do have opportunities for study abroad?
While we do not have an official study abroad program, your teachers can lead you to information to find out about programs in our community.
 
Are your teachers native speakers?
Some of our teachers are native speakers, and some are not.  Yet all have passed the Texas LOTE exam, which is proof of their proficiency level.  Additionally, studies show that native speakers aren't always the best teachers for non-native students.  Sometimes, a non-native teacher excels at speaking slower (more comprehensible) and predicting when students will have problems with a particular concept.

Resources

Spanish 1 - 3 standard and honors classes                          Autentico 1 - 3

Spanish 4 - 5                                                                            Que chevre  4 - 5

Spanish 4AP                                                                            Temas and College Board AP                                                                                                           material

Spanish 5AP                                                                            Momentos cumbres and College                                                                                                                           Board AP material

French 1 - 3                                                                             Bien Dit  1 - 3

French 4/4AP                                                                          Themes and College Board AP

Latin                                                                                        

Chinese