Latin has its own curriculum guide that is based on the National Standardsfor Classical Language Learning. Final selection results will be announced in March and newly adopted textbooks will be in use beginning with the 2000-01 school year. Latin textbooks are on a different adoption cycle that is set by the state. Japanese instructional materials are provided locally. The goal of Foreign Language staff is to provide training and resources to promote the practice of proficiency-based instruction in the classroom.
Proficiency refers to the ability to communicate effectively in the target language.
In this approach, grammatical structures and vocabulary are not the focus of instruction. They are taught by imbedding them in situational and contextual situations. As students strengthen their language skills they are provided with opportunities to gain cultural knowledge as well. Meeting quarterly with department chairpersons. Visiting classrooms and providing teachers with feedback, strategies and resources to improve instruction.