Middle School World Language Models
All secondary students must have access to a minimum of two years of world language study. Some schools allow students to access these high school credits while the student is still in grades 7-8. There are many types of models schools can use depending on the needs and goals of the school and community.
Dual Language Immersion Programs
Dual language immersion programs provide content instruction in both English and another language. These programs are often described in percentages. For example, a 50% dual language immersion program provides content instruction in English 50% of the time and in another language 50% of the time. For example, Math, Science, and Physical Education are taught in Spanish while Language Arts, Social Studies, and Art are taught in English. The time in the language can be divided by subject area, by chronological time, and/or by unit of study. Immersion is an optimal way to build language fluency quickly for two languages simultaneously. English language learners who are using their native language as the second language benefit in gaining academic ground otherwise lost to language barriers while building English literacy. Students who are native English speakers benefit from an enriched, high performing education.
Nebraska Dual Language Immersion Programs
- Omaha Public Schools
- Omaha R.M. Marrs Middle School Dual Language
- Omaha Beveridge Middle School Dual Language
Middle School Exploratory Programs
Exploratory programs are an extension of elementary FLES and/or FLEX programs. Exploratory emphasizes novice-level vocabulary and grammar constructs for simple conversations and cultural content. These programs provide an opportunity to familiarize students with language study and to build support for credit-based, advanced study.
World Language as a Content Area
This is the most common instructional model. Learners take language courses designed to introduce students to vocabulary, grammar, and communication in a language other than English. These are the courses described in the World Language course codes and clearing endorsements. Since world language courses contain similar content noted by Level, these courses usually count toward high school credit even when offered at the middle school level.