How to Bring Our Schools Out of the 20th Century - Guilderland ...

The study of a foreign language will enable students to develop more flexibility in
thinking processes through problem solving, conceptualizing and reasoning; improved memory,
greater analytic and interpretive capacities; greater creativity; and divergent thinking capacity
(Curtain, 2004; Landry, 1993; Margarita, 2003; Rosenbusch, 1995).
The early study of foreign language facilitates the learning of additional foreign
languages (Lipton, 1992).
The choice of Spanish as the second language to be learned in elementary school will
enhance the opportunities for our students to thrive in an increasingly multilingual society
(Curtain, 1997).
Additional claims stated in professional journal articles, but not supported by specific
research citations, include: enhanced performance in verbal areas on entrance exams such as
ACTs, SATs, MCATs, and LSATs; enhanced self-esteem; increased appreciation for the
aesthetics of literature, music and art; improved knowledge of geography; greater opportunity for
career exploration; greater likelihood of earning college credits while in high school; and,
increased opportunities to conduct research and/or study in a foreign country.
Curriculum Development for the FLES Program
The FLES curriculum development will focus on three areas:
1. A Foreign Language Steering Committee comprised of foreign language teachers,
classroom teachers and administrators will be formed to provide on-going planning,
coordination and support for the program. Curriculum development will be the
responsibility of appropriate staff members.
2. The summer curriculum writing project will focus on the development of learning
objectives and outcomes by grade level. On-line curriculum maps will be designed.
Language skills on an appropriate communicative level will be integrated with grade
level content. A resource list will be published for teachers.
3. Evaluation and modifications of existing curriculum for each grade level will be based on
the results of annual program assessment overseen by the Supervisor of Foreign
Language and ESL.
Staff Development for FLES Program
The Guilderland Central School District will provide the resources needed to empower
both classroom teachers and Spanish teachers to successfully implement the FLES Program. It is
our expectation that all affected staff members (which could include administrators, aides,
support staff, special education teachers and others) will participate in a variety of these
opportunities in order to attain the skills and knowledge needed to provide the reinforcement
activities required by the program design.
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