NH Guidelines for World Languages Learning

Introduction - Guidelines for WL Learning - WL Standards - WL Learning Conclusion - Matrix

The New Hampshire Guidelines for World Language Learning

The New Hampshire Guidelines for World Language Learning: Kindergarten - College have been written to suggest that the goals of language study cannot be divided into a set of sequenced steps. It is not the case that young students must first deal with isolated bits and pieces of language. Real communication is possible for young students as well as for students in high schools and colleges. While there may be differences in student cognitive development, maturity, and interests, the guidelines at all levels offer a vision of what students should know and be able to do in another language.

How to Use the Guidelines

The Guidelines are not a curriculum guide. While this document suggests types of content and curricular experiences needed to enable students to achieve the benchmarks, and supports the ideal of extended sequences of study, it does not describe specific course content, nor a recommended scope and sequence. It must be used in conjunction with national and local frameworks and standards to determine the best approaches and reasonable expectations for students in individual districts and schools. As Figure 1 indicates, each of these documents will influence and inform the others, as administrators, teachers, parents, and others work together to ensure that tomorrow=s learners are equipped to function in an ever-shrinking world.