Academics > Accel. Language Programs > LOTE
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
Lamar Consolidated ISD offers Languages other than English courses beginning for Spanish for Dual Language o Native Speakers in 6th grade as well as in Spanish and French in 7 and 8 while all languages are offered in the 9-12 grade. Currently Spanish, French, American Sign Language (ASL) and Chinese (Mandarin) language instruction is available within Lamar CISD.
New graduation requirements were established with the passage of House Bill (HB) 3 in July 2009, and amendments adopted by The State Board of Education in January 2010 and LCISD in March 2010. These new requirements supersede the graduation requirements in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74. The Recommended HS Program requires 2 years of LOTE credit while the Distinguished HS Program requires 3 years of LOTE Credit.
Using age-appropriate activities, students develop the ability to perform the tasks of the novice language learner. The novice language learner, when dealing with familiar topics, should:
(A) understand short utterances when listening and respond orally with learned material;
(B) produce learned words, phrases, and sentences when speaking and writing;
(C) detect main ideas in familiar material when listening and reading;
(D) make lists, copy accurately, and write from dictation;
(E) recognize the importance in communication to know about the culture; and
(F) recognize the importance of acquiring accuracy of expression by knowing the components of language, including grammar.
Additionally, students of classical languages use the skills of listening, speaking, and writing to reinforce the skill of reading.
Introduction:
Acquiring another language incorporates communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing. Students develop these communication skills by using knowledge of the language, including grammar, culture, communication and learning strategies, technology, and content from other subject areas to socialize, to acquire and provide information, to express feelings and opinions, and to get others to adopt a course of action. While knowledge of other cultures, connections to other disciplines, comparisons between languages and cultures, and community interaction all contribute to and enhance the communicative language learning experience, communication skills are the primary focus of language acquisition.
Students of languages other than English gain the knowledge to understand cultural practices (what people do) and products (what people create) and to increase their understanding of other cultures as well as to interact with members of those cultures. Through the learning of languages other than English, students obtain the tools and develop the context needed to connect with other subject areas and to use the language to acquire information and reinforce other areas of study. Students of languages other than English develop an understanding of the nature of language, including grammar, and culture and use this knowledge to compare languages and cultures and to expand insight into their own language and culture. Students enhance their personal and public lives and meet the career demands of the 21st century by using languages other than English to participate in communities in Texas, in other states, and around the world.