The department supports students, teachers, administrators, and parents by:
- Providing program guidance on evidence-based models of instruction
- Building teacher instructional capacity through strategically designed professional development
- Providing coaching and technical assistance
- Designing curricular resources and assessments.
World Language Program Models
Any given year there are over 100,000 students studying a world language in CPS. There are currently 238 schools which offer a world language program (139 elementary and middle schools - 99 high schools). World language studies are offered in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Polish, and Spanish.
Elementary School Programs
Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES): In a FLES program, students are instructed in the target world language from 120 to 180 minutes (or more) per week. The FLES program is implemented in all of the CPS World Language Academies (i.e. Chicago World Language Academy; La Salle; La Salle II; Murray). This program is geared toward achieving high levels of language and cultural proficiency.
Foreign Language Exploratory Program (FLEX): In a FLEX program, students are instructed in the target language less than 120 minutes per week. The FLEX program is the most commonly implemented world language program in CPS elementary schools. There are great variations in terms of time allocation in this program, depending on the particular school setting. The goal of the program is the exposure to basic vocabulary, phrases and culture(s) of the target language. A FLEX program can help develop an enthusiasm for language learning in general.
High School Programs
Secondary Sequential World Language Program: It offers a sequence of courses from level 1 to level 4 or higher. This is the most common world language model offered in U.S. high schools. Language is studied 5 periods per week. It typically includes the study of the customs, history, and art forms of the culture(s) associated with the target language.
Heritage Language Programs: Courses are designed to address the specific needs of heritage language learners. Instruction builds on and promotes the development of the heritage language and culture(s).
Secondary Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: AP classes allow students to participate in college-level courses and possibly earn college credit. Students have the opportunity to show mastery of their language skills by taking the AP exam in May of each school year.