World language facilitators recommend exploratory middle‑school model and urgent resource updates

Don Abs and Janet Jackson presented the world language department’s evaluate‑phase work. They described a vision to develop global competency and workforce skills, and said the district still offers three languages through AP and out‑of‑country trips — a relatively broad offering for the region.

Presenters flagged enrollment concerns: they reported high middle‑school participation (about 70% at one site) and a substantial decline at the high‑school level (the presenters cited an average around the mid‑20s percent for recent years). They attributed part of the drop to the district’s prior decision to start languages in fifth grade (which places many students at a high entry level in freshman year), and recommended an exploratory model consolidated at sixth grade to let students sample languages before committing.

Materials were described as outdated and uneven across languages: Spanish resources were reported to be roughly 15 years old and still reference legacy media; German has very limited commercial resources and teachers have been creating their own materials. The team recommended moving to develop/design to secure updated digital and print resources and to refine entry points and scheduling so students can maintain language study through high school.

Presenters suggested site consolidation (eg, rotating instruction at Badger for sixth grade) could make an exploratory rotation feasible. Committee members asked about timelines and implementation details; presenters said scheduling and resource procurement would be part of the develop/design work.

Next steps: the world language facilitators will draft a develop/design plan that includes updated resources, a proposed exploratory sixth‑grade model at a consolidated site, and specific scheduling recommendations for the district to consider.