Souderton Area SD proposes Heritage Spanish elective to serve native and heritage speakers

Christine Yardley, the district’s world language coordinator, told the Education & Personnel committee that the proposed Heritage Spanish course is designed for native and heritage Spanish speakers and would be taught primarily in Spanish. “We’re excited about this course,” Yardley said, describing a curriculum that uses authentic materials and focuses on culture, refined spoken and written language, and practical skills such as completing applications and writing scholarship essays.

Presenters Allison Todd and Britney Mercado outlined four units: culture and family comparisons; environmental stewardship across cultures; global citizenship and communication skills; and future planning including goal setting and exposure to notable Spanish‑speaking figures. The presenters said the course aims to validate students’ home language and cultural backgrounds while preparing them for postsecondary options and career settings.

Board members asked about grade levels, placement and prerequisites. Administrators said the initial offering would likely be targeted to juniors and seniors and is designed to be an elective without a prerequisite for the first year; counselors will help route students so classroom proficiency remains relatively consistent. The team estimated an initial section of about 20 students and said the course could help guide development of complementary offerings, such as an honors advanced Spanish or additional advanced course options.

The committee acknowledged the course meets an unmet need by providing an appropriate placement for students previously placed in standard Spanish 2 and recommended advancing the proposal to the next committee for approval.