World Language
Standards & Framework
Instructional Materials
To learn about which schools offer world languages, please click here.
SPANISH
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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Middle School
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Auténtico 2018 Student Edition (Level 1)
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Savvas Learning Co.
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High School
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Auténtico 2018 Student Edition (Levels 1-3)
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Savvas Learning Co.
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High School
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Mapas (Level 4)
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Klett World Languages
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FRENCH
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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Middle School
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T’es Branché (Level 1)
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Carnegie Learning
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High School
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T’es Branché (Level 1-4)
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Carnegie Learning
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CHINESE
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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Middle School
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Integrated Chinese, Simplified (Levels 1)
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Cheng & Tsui
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Integrated Chinese, Traditional (Level 1)
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Cheng & Tsui
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High School
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Integrated Chinese, Simplified (Level 1-4)
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Cheng & Tsui
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Integrated Chinese, Traditional (Level 1-4)
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Cheng & Tsui
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JAPANESE
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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High School
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Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners
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Tuttle Publishing
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High School
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Adventures in Japanese (Level 1-3)
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Cheng & Tsui
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KOREAN
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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High School
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Sogang Korean (Levels 1-4)
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Sogang KLEC
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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
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Level
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Program Title
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Publisher
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High School
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Hands in Touch (Level 1)
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Tri Vision Media Group
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Signing Naturally (Level 2)
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Dawn Sign Press
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Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What are the UC requirements for World Language?
The University of California requires students to complete a minimum of 2 years (4 semesters) of the same World Language other than English to meet the A–G subject requirements. However, students are strongly encouraged to complete 3 or more years to be more competitive in the admissions process.
Students may meet this requirement by taking college-preparatory courses in traditional languages such as Spanish, French, German, Latin, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and others. American Sign Language (ASL) also meets the requirement. Both commonly taught and less commonly taught languages are accepted, as long as the courses build skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and emphasize cultural understanding alongside Language use.
World Language courses should focus on helping students actively communicate in the language, not just memorize grammar rules. Students should show progression from basic to intermediate proficiency over time, gaining the ability to participate in conversations, understand authentic texts, and present ideas in the Language.
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2. How can I find which World Language is being offered at my student's school?
To check which World Languages are offered at your child's school, start by visiting the school’s website. Each high school in SRVUSD has its own site where course offerings are listed. Navigate to the "Academics" or "Curriculum" section to find specific information on World Language courses. You can also consult the SRVUSD World Language Curriculum page, where the district provides an overview of language programs, instructional materials, and course levels, giving you a general idea of what languages are taught across the district. Another helpful resource is the SRVUSD High School Course Catalog, which details course descriptions, prerequisites, and World Language offerings at each high school. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended that you contact your child's school counselor directly. Counselors can provide personalized guidance about current course availability and help with course selection.
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3. Why would students study a World Language?
Studying a World Language helps students build essential communication skills, deepen their understanding of other cultures, and expand their global awareness. It enhances critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving abilities, and strengthens a student’s overall academic performance. World Language study also prepares students for college admissions, where many universities, including the UC and CSU systems, recommend or require multiple years of language study. In addition, fluency or proficiency in another language opens future career opportunities in fields such as business, healthcare, education, government, and international relations. Most importantly, learning a new language fosters empathy, adaptability, and a broader perspective of the world, skills that are increasingly important in today’s interconnected society.
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4. When canmy child start taking a World Language in the district?
In the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD), students can begin studying a World Language as early as middle school. SRVUSD middle schools offer introductory courses in languages such as Spanish, French, and Chinese, typically starting in 7th or 8th grade. These courses are designed to provide foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, preparing students for continued language study in high school.
At the high school level, students have access to a broader range of World Language courses, including advanced levels and Advanced Placement (AP) options. Languages offered may include Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American Sign Language (ASL), depending on the specific high school. Students interested in languages not offered at their school may explore the SRVUSD Language School Program, which allows high school students to take approved courses through external institutions to earn World Language credits.
To determine the specific World Language offerings and the appropriate starting grade at your child's school, it's best to consult the school's course catalog or contact the school's counseling department directly. They can provide detailed information on available Languages, course sequences, and enrollment procedures.
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5. Does taking a World Language satisfy a graduation requirement?
Yes, taking a World Language course can contribute to meeting the graduation requirements in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD). Specifically, SRVUSD requires students to complete 20 credits in the combined category of Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA), World Language, and Career Technical Education (CTE)/Vocational & Applied Arts. To fulfill this requirement, students must earn 10 credits in two of these three areas.
For example, a student could satisfy this requirement by completing 10 credits in a World Language course and 10 credits in a Visual & Performing Arts course. Alternatively, a student might choose to take 10 credits in a World Language and 10 credits in a CTE course.
It's important to note that while World Language courses are not mandatory for graduation, they are highly recommended for students planning to attend four-year colleges. Most universities, including the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, require a minimum of 2 years of the same World Language for admission, with 3 years recommended.
Therefore, enrolling in World Language courses not only helps fulfill SRVUSD graduation requirements but also aligns with college admission prerequisites. Students are encouraged to consult with their school counselors to plan their course schedules effectively.
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6. What is the Seal of Biliteracy and how can a student earn it?
The California State Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. In the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD), students earn the Seal by completing all English Language Arts graduation requirements with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and by demonstrating proficiency in another Language, typically by completing four years of a World Language course with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or passing an approved assessment such as an AP exam. English Learners must also achieve a level 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). While SRVUSD’s Language School Program supports learning additional Languages, credits earned through outside programs currently do not count toward the Seal unless accompanied by a qualifying exam. Students interested in earning the Seal should consult their school counselor early to plan appropriately.
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For More Information
Language Schools
The Language School Program provides high school students the ability to take non-SRVUSD courses for languages that are not currently taught at SRVUSD schools in order to earn high school world language credits.
