World Languages

Speaking a language other than English is essential 21^st century proficiency our students will need in order to thrive in a world that is increasingly more interconnected and global in nature. The new State of Michigan High School Graduation standard expects that all students will acquire 2-credits of world language before graduation. Ann Arbor Public Schools has begun implementation of systemwide world language experiences for students beginning in third grade and continuing through high school. Ann Arbor Public Schools students will be well on their way to language learning beginning with their elementary world language experience and continuing into the multiple language offerings available in our exceptional high school programs.

Effective language learning and competencies must be equitably accessible to all students.
Cultural appreciation evolves from learning a language other than English; language learning connects to important outcomes articulated in our social studies curriculum and grade level expectations (a study of changing demographics, the impact on economics, an appreciation for geography and an understanding of inter-national dependency).

Elementary World Language

For more information, please download the Ann Arbor Languages Partnership brochure. 924kb PDF

View the End of Year A2LP video (21.9 mb Quicktime movie)

In 2009-10, Ann Arbor Public Schools launched the Ann Arbor Language Partnership (A2LP) collaboration between the Ann Arbor School District and the Teacher Education Program at the University of Michigan School of Education. This program began by providing Spanish language instruction to all third grade students attending the Ann Arbor Public Schools. The program scaled up to include all fourth grade students in 2010-11 and includes all fifth grade students in 2011-12. Language diversity is a tool and resource for our students.

The elementary world language curriculum is based on outcomes reflected in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and Learning developed 15 years ago by the Council of Europe in conjunction with the European Union and used to structure/monitor language learning in most Asian, European and South American countries.
The A2LP benefits from a high level of collaboration between University of Michigan and school district personnel; University supervisors actively monitor implementation of content and pedagogy while AAPS staff mentor the Apprentice Teachers in instructional related priorities (classroom management, relationships building, student engagement, meeting the differentiated needs of students such as English Language Learners).

Secondary World Languages

Ann Arbor Public Schools has a tradition of exceptional world language instruction in secondary schools. Beginning with the graduating class of 2016, students in the state of Michigan will be required to obtain 2 credits in a world language in order to meet the graduation requirement.

Middle school language exploratory for 6th grade students. Level 1 courses available at the middle school level.
Multiple languages available for study in the high school programs. Additional languages available through the Community Resource program.

Typical World Language Sequences

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
French 1	French 2 French 2 AC	French 3 French 3 AC	French 4 French 4 AC	French Language AP
German 1	German 2 German 2 AC	German 3 German 3 AC	German 4 German 4 AC	German Language AP
Latin 1	Latin 2	Latin 3	Latin 4	Latin Literature AP
Mandarin Chinese 1	Mandarin Chinese 2	Mandarin Chinese 3
Spanish 1	Spanish 2 Spanish 2 AC	Spanish 3 Spanish 3 AC	Spanish 4 Spanish 4 AC	Spanish Language AP

Other Resources

Additional language opportunities are available through Community Resource classes.

State High School Content Expectations for World Languages

= This link leads outside the AAPS web site; may open in a new window

= This AAPS link will open in a new window