Department Grading Policy
Languages Other Than English
"He who does not know foreign languages does not know anything about his own."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Communication between individuals and groups is essential in a global community. Knowledge of a foreign language promotes and enhances business and economic opportunities while fostering interpersonal communication, understanding and appreciation of cultures. Most importantly, study of a foreign language increases diversity and enhances strength of an academic foundation.
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English (TEKS for LOTE) are organized around five Program Goals referred to as “The Five Cs”: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The Five Cs emphasize that beyond essential grammar and vocabulary skills, true proficiency involves using language in appropriate ways, in a variety of contexts, and for a variety of purposes. (from http://www.sedl.org/loteced/programgoals/overview_flash.html)
Latin is the basis of all romance languages (French and Spanish are those offered in PISD) as well as a major influence on the English language. It remains the basis of medical, scientific, and legal terminology; therefore, it is recommended for the improvement of any student's vocabulary.
Spanish is the main language of 290 million speakers in Spain, Central America, South America and the United States. Spanish is the most popular language of study in the United States, and especially in Texas. The influx of thousands of immigrants further advances the influence of Spanish in our society.
French is the native language of millions of people around the world in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. It is the language of international diplomacy. French is the second most popular foreign language studied in the United States.
Courses
| Grades | Subject | Semesters | Credits |
| | French 1 | 2 | 1 |
| | French 2 | 2 | 1 |
| | French 2 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | French 3 | 2 | 1 |
| | French 3 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | AP French Language (French 4 AP) | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish 1 | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish for Native Speakers | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish 2 | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish 2 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish 3 | 2 | 1 |
| | Spanish 3 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | AP Spanish Language (Spanish 4 AP) | 2 | 1 |
| | AP Spanish Literature (Spanish 5 AP) | 2 | 1 |
| | Latin 1 | 2 | 1 |
| | Latin 2 | 2 | 1 |
| | Latin 2 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | Latin 3 Pre-AP | 2 | 1 |
| | AP Latin Literature-Vergil (Latin 4 AP) | 2 | 1 |
The grading policy of the LOTE Department follows the district standard:
Daily grades 40%
Major grades 60%
(May include tests, projects, portfolios, research papers and other assessments)
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