School District Recognized For World Language Program

WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — The West Windsor-Plainsboro Public School District is one of four school districts in the state that has been recognized for a world language program, the New Jersey Department of Education announced on Tuesday.

The district was recognized for its K-12 World Languages Program. The other three school districts receiving World Language awards were:

• West Morris Regional High School District (9-12 World Languages Program);
• Ocean City High School (American Sign Language Program); and
• Egg Harbor Township (Hispañohablantes/Heritage Speaker Program).

They were among 11 total districts that were recognized for outstanding second language programs. All the districts, which were honored at a ceremony in Trenton, will serve as models of best practices in world language, dual language, bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

The New Jersey Department of Education developed criteria and reviewed applications to designate the 11 exemplary second language programs. They used an extensive program review, and state officials, college professors, and world language and bilingual/ESL program supervisors went on site to determine the 11 schools that would be honored.

“Second language studies are integral to scholastic achievement and student success. New languages open minds and hearts to diversity in cultures, races, religions and social interaction,” Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet said. “This kind of motivational and global instruction is key to challenging and channeling student learning.”

Exemplary second language programs are recognized every two years. That is how long the 11 districts that were recently honored will serve as resource centers for the other districts. During that time, educators can visit the schools to observe exemplary practices in second language teaching, learning and assessment in the classroom.

Administrators and teachers also will be able to discuss issues of mutual concern with staff from the centers, as well as have the potential for collaboration on their second language programs.

In addition to the four World Language programs, HoLa (Hoboken) Dual Language Charter School earned a dual language award.The six districts receiving awards for bilingual/ ESL are:

• Atlantic City High School Newcomer Center;
• Howell Township ESL Program Grades K-8;
• Linden ESL Program grades K-12;
• Franklin Township (Somerset County) Bilingual Program grades K-4, ESL Program Grades K-4 and 9-12;
• Passaic City Bilingual Program Grades K-8; and
• Vineland Bilingual Program Grades K-5 and 9-12, ESL Program Grades K-5, 9-12.

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