World Language Course Offerings

The placement of courses in this chart is what is typical. See the flow chart at the end of the world language section to see all of the options.

The purpose of world language study at Daniel Hand High School is the development of communication skills in another language and an awareness of the similarities and differences among and across cultures. Students are provided a variety of programs (French, Spanish, Latin, and/or Mandarin Chinese) in which they acquire proficiency in another language through listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and thinking critically. Student success depends a great deal on active participation in and out of class. The World Language Department strongly recommends three years or more of study in order to achieve proficiency in the language.

Course required for Graduation

DHHS requires 1.0 credits of World Language for graduation.
 

Grade Latin French Spanish Mandarin Chinese American Sign Language*
9
  • Latin 1
  • French 1
  • French 2
  • Spanish 1
  • Spanish 2
  • Spanish 3
  • Mandarin Chinese 1
  • American Sign Language 1
10
  • Latin 1
  • Latin 2
  • French 1
  • French 2
  • French 3
  • Spanish 1
  • Spanish 2
  • Spanish 3
  • Spanish 4
  • Spanish 4-Honors
  • Mandarin Chinese 1
  • Mandarin Chinese 2
  • American Sign Language 1
  • American Sign Language 2
11
  • Latin 1
  • Latin 2
  • Latin 3-Honors
  • French 1
  • French 2
  • French 3
  • French 4-Honors
  • Spanish 1
  • Spanish 2
  • Spanish 3
  • Spanish 4
  • Spanish 4-Honors
  • Spanish 5
  • AP Spanish 5
  • Mandarin Chinese 1
  • Mandarin Chinese 2
  • Mandarin Chinese 3
  • American Sign Language 1
  • American Sign Language 2
12
  • Latin 1
  • Latin 2
  • Latin 3-Honors
  • AP Latin 4

 

  • French 1
  • French 2 
  • French 3 
  • French 4-Honors
  • AP French 5
  • Spanish 1
  • Spanish 2
  • Spanish 3
  • Spanish 4
  • Spanish 4-Honors
  • Spanish 5
  • AP Spanish 5
  • Spanish Cinema & Conversation
  • Spanish 6-Honors
  • Mandarin Chinese 1
  • Mandarin Chinese 2
  • Mandarin Chinese 3
  • Chinese 4-Honors
  • American Sign Language 1
  • American Sign Language 2

*Note: It is not anticipated that American Sign Language 3 or 4 will be offered

Overview

The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in English and one or more languages (Public Act 17 29).

Affixed on the high school diploma and transcript, the Seal of Biliteracy provides immediate recognition of a critical 21st century language and communication skill.

The Seal of Biliteracy initiative:

  • encourages students to study languages;
  • certifies attainment of biliteracy skills;
  • recognizes the value of language diversity;
  • provides employers with a method of identifying Connecticut high school graduates with biliteracy skills;
  • assists universities in recognizing applicants with language skills;
  • equips universities in recognizing applicants with language skills;
  • equips students with the 21st century skills that will allow them to succeed in college and careers in a global society;
  • strengthens relationships and honors the multiple cultures and languages represented in Connecticut communities;
  • encourages students to develop communicative proficiency in multiple languages;
  • values the knowledge and skills of both English speakers learning world languages and English learners studying English or other world languages; and
  • recognizes and rewards students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.
The Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy:

To attain the Seal of Biliteracy, two academic requirements must be met.

  1. Students must complete all English Language Arts requirements for graduation.
  2. Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English at a level comparable to Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines as demonstrated through one of the following methods in grade 10 or later:
Assessment Name Minimum Score
College Board AP World Language Exam 3
STAMP Test: Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency 5
ALIRA Test: Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment I-3

 

Latin

French

Spanish

Mandarin

American Sign Language

First page of the PDF file: WorldLanguageFlowChart

If there is any question about the best placement for new enrollees to Daniel Hand High School, students should meet with the Program Coordinator for World Language for evaluation.  All world Language courses are two trimesters.