World Languages & ELL

World Languages Course Matrix

The World Languages department at DHS believes in the potential of all students to master course content and skills. Grading in our department is rooted in common values and best pedagogical practices. Grades are based on clear criteria and communicate information about learning progress. Grades are earned through a combination of formative and summative assessments and diverse evaluation methods. Grades are not used as behavior motivators, nor do they provide information about non-academic skills. 

To foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment in which all learners can be successful, it is important that students have an understanding of what their grades mean. Student-friendly and consistent terminology is used to communicate information about grades and assessments in order to support student self-reflection, understanding, and growth.

 

We are excited to announce the opportunity for students to earn college credit hours through enrollment in select Spanish courses!

District 113 has partnered with Lake Forest College to offer Spanish V and Spanish Senior Seminar Honors as dual credit courses.

Key Details

• When can I opt in?
  • The initial "Opt-in" week will be October 21-25. 
  • In order to enroll, you'll need to complete BOTH of the following forms:
    • "High School Dual Credit Application 2024-2025"
    • "HPHS Dual Credit Course Opt-in form (2024-2025)"
• How does this work?
  • You will be dual-enrolled in a Lake Forest College (LFC) and a Deerfield High School (DHS) or Highland Park High School course (HPHS).
• How much does it cost?
  • The fee is $300 for 4 credit hours, which is typically equivalent to a one-semester class at the university/college level. Also, for perspective, one class at a university/college could cost as much as $2000.
  • Payment is due at the time of registration (via credit card).
• What grade do I need to earn dual credit?
  • A letter grade of a C or better is recommended for both semesters to opt for dual credit. The LFC transcript grade will be an average of the percentages of the two semesters' grades in the high school course. In the event that your grades on the high school course are lower than a C, you should consider the next option.
  • If you wish to withdraw from the dual credit course, you should notify Lake Forest College at any time before the last class day. If you withdraw, there is no refund and your transcript will show a “W”.
• How do I receive credit?
  • Starting in July 2025, you can order a Lake Forest College transcript that shows your dual credit course. If you want to transfer this credit to another college/university, you must order the transcript and have it sent to that institution. Instructions for ordering the transcript are found at the bottom of their Dual Credit Courses page. 
• Do I have to enroll in dual credit?
  • No, but it is a great opportunity to recognize your commitment to language studies! The curriculum is advanced and rigorous. Thus, whether or not you opt in for dual credit, you will be doing the same work and will have the same expectations.

More Information

• Course Descriptions and Course Equivalents
• Lake Forest College Dual Credit Page

Quia

Township High School District 113 students have the opportunity to be recognized by the State of Illinois for earning proficiency in English and one additional language.

• This is a list of the "Approved Assessments" that can be used to qualify.
• This is a list of "Post-Secondary Benefits" for the Seal of Biliteracy. 
• This is a list of "Course Credit for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy at Public Colleges and Universities in Illinois"
• This is a "Parent Guide" to the Seal of Biliteracy. 
• This is a list of "Frequently Asked Questions".

Seal of Biliteracy

Awarded to students whose proficiency level is equivalent to the Intermediate High scale set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Commendation Toward Biliteracy

Awarded to students whose proficiency level is equivalent to the Intermediate Low or Intermediate Mid scale set in a second language.

Additional Information

Please note, students who take the AAPPL test or an AP Language and Culture exam on their current course of study do not need to schedule additional testing. Scores will be processed and students will be notified in the event that they qualify for either "The Seal of Biliteracy" or "The Commendation Toward Biliteracy" during the Fall or Spring semester.

For those awaiting an ACT/SAT score to qualify, please contact Danielle Ossman at dossman@dist113.org once your score is available. 

For more information or questions, contact Holly Bertoia at hbertoia@dist113.org.

• What does research show about the benefits of language learning?
• Language learning correlates with higher academic achievement
• Language learning provides cognitive benefits to students
• Language Learners develop a more positive attitude to speakers of that language
• Top 10 Reasons to Learn Languages

Deerfield High School is proud to offer courses in four languages!

• Chinese
• French
• Hebrew
• Spanish