World Languages
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” - Frank Smith
The World Languages Department is committed to ensuring equity and access for all students through programs that promote language proficiency, social development, and cross-cultural understanding. We strive to nurture each student’s growth by providing a supportive environment where they can reach their full potential. Our curriculum offers diverse and meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to become forward-thinking global citizens who value and respect diverse perspectives.
Knowledge of more than one language empowers individuals by opening economic and social opportunities. Language learning allows us to bridge cultural barriers and promote ways of interpreting our diverse world while stimulating intellectual curiosity.
Long Beach students begin their language studies in third grade with Spanish, continuing through fifth grade. At the end of fifth grade, they may choose to continue with Spanish or begin studying French in sixth grade.
By the end of eighth grade, students take the Checkpoint A exam and earn one high school credit toward their Regents Diploma. In tenth grade, or ninth grade for students enrolled in Spanish Native Language Arts, they take the Checkpoint B exam, earning two additional high school credits toward their Advanced Regents Diploma. To receive credit, students must pass each Checkpoint exam with a score of 65 or higher, for a total of three Regents credits by the end of tenth grade.
Our thematic, communicative curriculum is aligned with the IB Middle Years Program, the IB Diploma Program, and the NYSED World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Most students continue their World Language studies through senior year to fulfill the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy, the IB Diploma, and the World Language Honor Society.
World Languages
- Spanish at the Elementary level in all schools grades 3-5
- World Languages 6-8 in French and Spanish
- World Languages 9-12 in French, Italian and Spanish
- Native Spanish Language classes 9-12
Professional Development Support
Our World Language teachers participate in professional development in a variety of ways including, in district and out of district trainings, workshops, conferences:
- Long Island Language Teachers (LILT)
- New York Association of World Language Administrators (NYSAWLA)
- World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
