Arabic Language - Level Assignment
“In the United States, languages other than English are often thought of and referred to as “foreign” languages. However, many people who live in the United States have cultural connections to and know languages other than English. These languages are not “foreign” to particular individuals or communities; instead, they are familiar in a variety of ways. Some people may be able to speak, read, and write the language; others may only speak or understand when spoken to. Some may not understand the language but are part of a family or community where the language is spoken. The term “heritage” language can be used to describe any of these connections between a non-dominant language and a person, a family, or a community.”Ann Kelleher, University of California, Davis
With this belief in mind, and knowing that the approaches to teaching the heritage students and the non heritage (foreign language learners) are different, Granada students are divided, starting from 3rd grade, into 3 levels: Heritage, Non-heritage (foreign language) and Novice.
Heritage Level:
Criteria: All students in this level must have some connection to the Arabic Language (Arab parents or native speakers). Students must be exposed to an Arabic dialect at home and present some level of language reception: understanding basic conversation, produce or create simple sentences and recognize certain vocabulary words.
Expectations: Because the focus of instruction is the language proficiency in all areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing, students are expected to understand all instruction given in Arabic during class, and to understand the reading materials appropriate to their level. They are expected to answer, express themselves and discuss ideas in Arabic. Formal Arabic is used for instruction, however, students can use colloquial Arabic at certain times with the teacher’s approval and guidance.
Non- heritage level (foreign language learner):
Criteria: All non natives and students who do not have any connection to the Arabic Language are grouped in this level.
Expectations: Similar to the Heritage level, the focus of instruction is proficiency in the language in all areas, with more emphasis on building the literacy skills.
Novice level:
Criteria: All new students joining Granada after K without prior experience in learning Arabic are placed in this level, along with students who cannot read and write in Arabic.
Expectations: Students follow an accelerated program where they learn the basics of the Arabic language: Alphabet, letter connections (reading and writing) as well as basic listening and speaking. Students will be moved to one of the main levels (heritage and non heritage) as soon as they are ready.
For all levels, Granada Islamic School follows and implements the National Standard For Foreign Language. To see detailed 8th grade proficiencies according to this standard, please visit: www.ACTFL.org.
*http://coe.sdsu.edu/people/jmora/ALMMethods.htm#Direct