LOTE

The study of another language is quite practical and rewarding. Colleges prefer a background in foreign language study although some may not require it. There are many fields which require knowledge of a second language (e.g., government agencies, import-export businesses, travel and service industries, and financial institutions) and a foreign language background is a decided advantage for employment, especially in the metropolitan area.

Because the sequential study of a foreign language proceeds by level, all offerings have been grouped accordingly. Specific course numbers precede the general description of each level.

Spanish 1

This is a one year course that culminates in the New York State Second Language Proficiency Exam at the end of the year. Level 1 students in both standard (grades 9 or 10) and accelerated courses (grades 7 or 8) work towards mastering the following skills for Checkpoint A proficiency: 1) to engage conversations using a variety of vocabulary and linguistic structures; 2) comprehend basic messages and simple media announcements; 3) to comprehend short readings and authentic ads; and 4) to write notes, short letters and basic compositions of 30+ words.

Spanish 2

Level 2 students work towards developing the following skills for proficiency. 1) to understand and be understood by a native speaker on topics of general interest; 2) to comprehend longer spoken messages and media announcements; 3) to comprehend short stories, articles of general interest, and authentic materials; and 4) to write letters and short compositions. It is recommended that students take the LOTE Comprehensive Regents Examination at the end of Level 4.

Spanish 3

Level 3 students work towards mastering the following skills for proficiency. 1) to understand an educated native speaker at a basic rate of speed and to converse. 2) to comprehend more detailed spoken messages and media announcements; and to get the general idea of longer broadcasts; 3) to comprehend longer literary selections and authentic materials; and 4) to write compositions and letters on a variety of themes.

Spanish 4

Level 4 students work towards mastering the following skills for proficiency. 1) to understand an educated native speaker and to develop longer conversation skills; 2) to comprehend more detailed spoken messages and media announcements, and to extract main ideas and details of longer broadcasts; 3) to read excerpts from adapted literary works and authentic periodicals; and 4) to write letters, compositions and essays of 100+ words.