World Language - Reading Memorial High School

World Language Department

The RMHS World Language Department offers comprehensive course sequences in French, Spanish, and Latin. Studying a world language enhances English vocabulary, reading comprehension, communication skills, and global perspective.

Department Mission & Requirements

Core Objectives

Communication: Master effective skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Cultural Appreciation: Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of global cultures and histories.

Graduation & College Standards

RMHS Graduation Requirement: Passing two years of World Language study at RMHS.
College Entrance: Massachusetts State Colleges require a minimum of two years of study in the same language, though most four-year universities prefer extensive 4- to 5-year language preparation.
Flexible Placement: Student placement is based on prior experience and demonstrated proficiency rather than grade level. Entering 9th graders with middle school language experience may move directly into Level 2 upon recommendation.

Subject Offerings

Latin

The Latin program offers a 4-year progressive sequence focusing on reading comprehension, classical culture, and linguistic foundations:

Focus: Developing reading comprehension, analyzing Latin grammar, and making connection between Latin roots and English vocabulary derivatives.
Culture & History: Exploration of Roman mythology, historical developments of the Roman Empire, and classical literature.
Advanced Study: Upper-level courses feature alternating two-year curricula exploring classical and post-classical authors (such as Petronius, Catullus, Perpetua, and Aesop) alongside modern Latin novellas.
Levels: Offered in College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced sequence tracks.

French

The French program offers a 4- to 5-year communicative sequence designed to build functional fluency in modern French:

Focus: A 4-skill approach (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) conducted primarily in French to build conversational confidence and literacy.
Culture & Media: Integration of authentic audio/video recordings, media, global cultural topics, and surveys of 19th and 20th-century French literature.
Advanced Study: Culminates in Advanced Placement (AP) French Language and Culture, an intensive college-level course focused on real-world communication, current events, and cultural comparison.
Levels: Offered across College Preparatory, Honors, and AP tracks.

Spanish

The Spanish program offers a 4- to 5-year immersive sequence prioritizing practical communication and cultural competence:

Focus: Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through thematic units (e.g., travel, health, personal identity, current events).
Culture & Media: Utilization of authentic media, documentaries, news clips, contemporary literature, and interactive class discussions (tertulias) conducted entirely in Spanish.
Advanced Study: Features elective options focused on Spanish film, media, and cultural perspectives, as well as AP Spanish Language and Culture for students pursuing college-level mastery.
Levels: Offered across College Preparatory, Honors, and AP tracks.

Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

The RMHS World Language Department participates in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy program.

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award granted upon graduation that appears on a student's high school diploma and official transcript.It formally certifies that a graduate has attained functional and academic proficiency in English and at least one world language.

Benefits for Students

College Recognition: Demonstrates advanced language capability to university admissions officers, often leading to college credit or advanced placement.
Career Advantage: Provides future employers with verified proof of biliteracy skills in an increasingly global workplace.
Cultural Achievement: Honors a student’s dedication to mastering multiple languages and embracing linguistic diversity.

Award Criteria

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation, students must satisfy two key requirements prior to graduation:

English Proficiency: Demonstrate high-level proficiency on the Grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) MCAS assessment.
World Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum score of Intermediate-High (or Advanced-Low for the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction) on an approved national assessment (such as the AAPPL or STAMP exam) or through an qualifying score on an AP Language exam.