Glastonbury Public Schools World Language

Placement Criteria for Grade 9

In Glastonbury, we are noted for our long sequence of language study. We encourage students who have begun languages in the elementary or middle grades to continue their language studies into the high school. Although world language study is presently only required for the classes of 2023 and beyond, for graduation from Glastonbury High School, parents and students should be aware that state, as well as college entrance requirements vary, and families should contact college admission offices directly for specific language requirements.*

In order to make the best placement decision for your daughter/son, world language teachers look at results from the mid-year assessments, results from external assessments of listening/speaking and individual progress working towards meeting the learning target of Intermediate Low performance.

Level 1 in 9th Grade courses

(Chinese, French, Greek, Latin, Spanish or Russian)

  • enthusiasm for the language and cultures being studied

  • “A” or “A-” academic average across skills studied (Reading, Writing, Listening Speaking)

  • “A” or “A-” classroom participation average

  • highly motivated with exceptional study habits

Regular Level 9th Grade courses

(French, Greek, Latin, Spanish)

  • enthusiasm for the language and cultures being studied

  • “B” or “C+” academic average across skills studied (Reading, Writing, Listening Speaking)

  • “B” or “C+” classroom participation average

  • motivated with good study habits

Spanish III/French III Grade 9

(next level for "successful" Intro Continuing)

  • enthusiasm for the language and cultures being studied

  • “C” or “C-” academic average across skills studied (Reading, Writing, Listening Speaking)

  • “C” or “C-” classroom participation average

  • motivated with good study habits

French or Spanish II

(next level of "successful" Intro)

  • follows Intro French or Spanish

  • enthusiasm for the language and cultures being studied

OR

  • “C-”, “D” academic average in continuing classes across skills studied (Reading, Writing, Listening Speaking)

  • “C-”, “D” classroom participation average in continuing classes

  • developing acceptable study habits

* Generally colleges will only accept world language credit earned in grades 9-12 to meet college/university entrance requirements. We urge you to consult with school counselors and to refer to admissions offices for college entrance requirements. In addition, we would like to emphasize that although some colleges do not require a world language for entrance, many require the study of a language for graduation. Some colleges waive the graduation requirements if incoming students can demonstrate, through departmental or standardized tests, that they have achieved college level proficiency in world language. In Glastonbury, seniors take the Oral Proficiency Interview computerized (OPIc) and the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and those scores become part of their permanent academic testing record. Students receive a score certificate which they may share at the college level for placement consideration. Please consult college catalogs for requirements.

The Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the value of students’ academic efforts, the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate and prepares students to be 21st-century global citizens in a multicultural, multilingual world. The world language department’s course offerings help students to reach the necessary proficiency level in order to meet the requirements to earn this distinction on their high school diploma upon graduation.

Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns about the recommendation. Parents should feel free to contact the Director of World Language, Amanda Robustelli-Price, (860) 652-7954, if they have further questions or concerns.