World Languages

Overview

Educates students who are linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate successfully in a multicultural American society and abroad.
Envisions a future in which ALL students will develop and maintain proficiency in English and at least one other language.
Provides opportunities to students who come to school from non-English backgrounds to develop further proficiencies in their first language.

Benefits of Learning a Language

Learning a second language and the culture associated with that language leads to an increased global awareness and understanding. A second language offers additional opportunities in the marketplace as more employers are in need of bilingual candidates.

World Languages Requirements

The foundation high school graduation program requires that students earn 2 credits in Languages other than English (LOTE). Students in Richardson ISD can choose to take Spanish, French, Japanese, or Latin. Spanish and French are offered in 7-12th grades, and Japanese and Latin are offered in 9-12th grades. Please visit LOTE Credit Requirements for more information.

There are three distinct pathways for students to earn their LOTE credits. Please visit World Languages Pathways for more information.

Native and Heritage Spanish Speakers

Richardson ISD offers native and heritage Spanish speakers specialized courses to develop further proficiencies in their first language. Students will learn more about Spanish speaking cultural heritages, and improve their reading, writing, listening, and oral expression skills. Students will become prepared to enroll in Advanced Placement Spanish courses. Please see Advanced Spanish Path for more information.

Advanced Placement

Taking AP courses and exams can help students get ahead in high school and college. Students who take AP courses and exams earn college credit for qualifying AP Exam scores.

Richardson ISD offers the following AP World Languages courses:

AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
AP French Language and Culture
AP Japanese Language and Culture
AP Latin

Credit-by-Exam

As an alternative to taking LOTE courses in junior high or high school, students may take a credit-by-examination (CBE) to earn their LOTE credits. Please visit Credit-by-Examination Path for more information.