The Office of World Languages is committed to delivering a standards-based, proficiency-driven, and engaging curriculum that emphasizes effective communication in at least one world language beyond English, along with the cultural knowledge necessary to prepare students as globally aware citizens. Our curriculum aligns with the World Language Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, focusing on the 5 Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. These elements support students' linguistic and cultural skills, equipping them to participate in a globally interconnected world.

In modern language education, the focus has shifted away from rote memorization and grammar drills, moving instead toward practical language use and cultural understanding. DPSCD offers instruction in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and American Sign Language, serving over 7,000 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels, to meet the diverse language needs of our community.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum fulfills the World Language graduation requirement set by the Michigan Merit Curriculum. All students must complete two credits in a world language other than English or demonstrate equivalent two-year proficiency at the Novice High level on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale. At this level, students are expected to communicate effectively in predictable situations across a range of contexts when interacting with native speakers. To enroll in advanced language courses, students must show they meet the course prerequisites by either presenting an official transcript from a school where the language is spoken or by taking district-approved language proficiency exams.

Michigan Academic Standards for World Languages

• World Languages FAQ
• World Languages Guidelines
• World Languages Standards and Benchmarks

Seal of Biliteracy

The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (MI-SoBL) was created to recognize high school graduates who exhibit language proficiency in English and at least one additional world language. The Seal may be awarded to any student receiving a high school diploma, a high school certificate of completion, or a high school equivalency certificate, who has demonstrated Intermediate High Proficiency on acceptable world language assessments. The Seal was created to encourage students to study world languages and embrace their native and heritage languages. The Seal will provide employers with a way to identify individuals with strong language and biliteracy skills. The Seal may serve as an additional tool for colleges and universities to recognize applicants' language abilities for admission and placement.

There are three ways for students to receive the seal:

• A learner from outside the U.S. who has had formal schooling and transcripts to show they completed the 6th grade year of instruction and meets high school graduation requirements
• Heritage speaker or multilingual learner who meets high school graduation requirements
• Classroom second language learner in IB/AP programming that shows strong language skills

To apply or ask questions, please contact Sean Gordon or Erica Lopez-Negrete.