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The vision of our immersion, indigenous, and world language programs is to honor, sustain, and expand the language and intercultural skills of all SPPS students.
Values: In all of our language programs, we believe…
- All students can learn and achieve at high levels.
- The experiences of all students are respected and valued as part of the learning experience.
- Learning a language and developing intercultural competence empowers students’ identity and confidence.
- Equity and inclusion are the lenses through which we plan and deliver our curriculum and instruction.
- Curriculum and teaching are grounded in the core of culturally responsive instruction.
- Communicative and intercultural competence is an asset that supports achievement in all content areas.
- Communicative and intercultural competence are essential components of college and career readiness.
News & Announcements
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Register for the Bilingual Seals Assessment
Scroll down for more information on the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Our dual language immersion programs provide literacy and content instruction through two languages and a multicultural perspective. The goal of our dual language immersion programs is for students to achieve academic success in all content areas while also becoming multilingual, literate in more than one language, and gain sociocultural competence. All students, regardless of their home language or language of preference, are welcome to apply to any of our dual language immersion programs. Students may be required to complete a language proficiency exam if appling to one-way programs after second grade.
At SPPS, we offer two types of dual language immersion programs:
- One-way programs are offered in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish following a 100:0 language immersion model. The 100:0 model signifies that classroom instruction in kindergarten and first grade is taught 100% in the partner language and 0% in English. Beginning in second grade, classroom instruction in English is introduced. At each subsequent grade level, the amount of instruction in English is increased.
- Two-way programs are offered in Hmong and Spanish, following a 70:30 (Hmong) or 80:20 (Spanish) language immersion model. The 70:30 and 80:20 model signifies that classroom instruction in kindergarten is taught 70-80% in the partner language and 20-30% in English. At each subsequent grade level, the amount of instruction in English is increased.
In middle school for all program models, one or more courses are offered in the partner language (French, Hmong, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish). High schools also offer one or more courses in the partner language (French, German, Hmong, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish).
Programs
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French
PreK-12 French Dual Language Immersion Pathway
Elementary
Middle School
High School
L'Etoile du Nord
French Immersion (PreK-5)Hidden River
Middle School (6-8)Central Senior
High School (9-12)The French Dual Language Immersion Program was established in 1996. The pathway begins at L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School as a one-way program that follows a 100:0 immersion language immersion model. English instruction begins in 2nd grade. At each subsequent grade level, the amount of instruction in English is increased so that by fifth grade, students are taught 60% in the partner language and 40% in English. In 5th grade, students participate in the national French language competition, Le Grand Concurs. Students in 5th grade also complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in French.
At Hidden River Middle School, students continue their French Dual Language Immersion pathway. The school provides an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), which helps students gain a global perspective. Together, the IB and dual language immersion program challenges students to explore complex issues, take action to solve problems and reflect on what they’ve learned. In middle school, students complete two courses in French:
- French Immersion 6, 7, 8 is a language arts class taught in French. Students hone their skills in French through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Students complete their social studies courses in French: Minnesota Studies (grade 6), American Studies (grade 7), and Global Studies (grade 8).
In 8th grade, students participate in the national French language competition, Le Grand Concours. Students in 8th grade also complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in French.
At Central High School, students complete their French Dual Language Immersion pathway. Students have the opportunity to take the following courses in French:
- In French Immersion 9, 10, 11, 12, students hone their language and literacy skills in French through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Additional elective classes taught in French include France during World War II, French Cinema, Your Voice in French, and Writing for Content.
Students can earn a French Immersion Certificate of Achievement, which includes extra activities and service-learning projects to accompany their schoolwork. Central also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme; French immersion students take IB assessments in the upper grades to demonstrate their language proficiency. Students also have the opportunity to complete the DELF assessment, which meets the language requirement for admission to universities in France and increasingly to French-speaking universities in Canada. Both the IB and DELF assessments qualify students for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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German
The German Dual Language Immersion Program was established in 2016 for students in grades 9-12. At Central High School, students complete their German Dual Language Immersion pathway. Students have the opportunity to complete the following courses in German:
- In German Immersion 9, 10, 11, 12, students hone their language and literacy skills in German through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Additional elective classes taught in German include Construction of German Identity, Your Voice in German, and Writing for Content.
Central also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme; German immersion students take IB assessments in the upper grades to demonstrate their language proficiency. Students also have the opportunity to complete the DSD2 assessment, which meets the language requirement for admission to universities in Germany. Both the IB and DSD2 assessments qualify students for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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Hmong
PreK-12 Hmong Dual Language Immersion Pathway
Elementary
Middle School
High School
East Childhood Hub (Pre-K)
Txuj Ci HMong Language & Culture - Upper Campus (6-8)
Harding Senior
High School (9-12)Txuj Ci HMong Language & Culture -
Lower Campus (K-5)
Washington Technology
Magnet (9-12)The Hmong Dual Language Immersion Program, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, was established in 2002. The pathway begins at East Childhood Hub (Pre-K) and Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture - Lower Campus (K-5) as a two-way program that follows a 70:30 language immersion model. Both Hmong and English are used for academic instruction beginning in preK. By 3rd grade, students are taught 50% in Hmong and 50% in English. In 5th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Hmong.
At Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture - Upper Campus, students continue their Hmong Dual Language Immersion pathway. Students complete one course in Hmong:
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Hmong Immersion 6, 7, 8 is a language arts class taught in Hmong. Students hone their skills in Hmong through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
In 8th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Hmong.
Students complete their Hmong Dual Language Immersion pathway either at Harding Senior High School (serves areas A, B, Ce) or Washington Technology Magnet School (serves areas Cw, D, E, F1, F2). Students have the opportunity to complete the following courses in Hmong:
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In Hmong 3, Hmong 4, and Hmong Culture and Language Immersion courses, students hone their language skills in Hmong through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Harding also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Hmong immersion students can complete a language proficiency assessment in grades 10-12 to demonstrate their language proficiency and qualify for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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Mandarin Chinese
PreK-12 Chinese Dual Language Immersion Pathway
Elementary
Middle School
High School
Jie Ming Mandarin
Immersion (PreK-5)Highland Park
Middle School (6-8)Highland Park Senior
High School (9-12)The Chinese Dual Language Immersion Program was established in 2011. The pathway begins at Jie Ming Mandarin Chinese Immersion Academy as a one-way program that follows a 100:0 immersion language immersion model. Beginning in 2nd grade, students receive 50 minutes of English language arts instruction daily. In 4th and 5th grade, students receive 90 minutes of English language arts instruction. The curriculum in the Mandarin Immersion Program includes a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focus. Students in the program will learn to view practical problems with the mind and eyes of a scientist, a mathematician and an engineer. They will undertake engineering design challenges, use critical thinking skills to solve problems, and conduct experiments – all with Mandarin as their means of communication. In 5th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Mandarin Chinese.
At Highland Park Middle School, students continue their Mandarin Chinese Dual Language Immersion pathway. The school provides an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), which helps students gain a global perspective. Together, the IB and dual language immersion program challenges students to explore complex issues, take action to solve problems and reflect on what they’ve learned. At Highland Park Middle School, students complete two courses in Mandarin Chinese:
- Chinese Immersion 6, 7, 8 is a language arts class taught in Mandarin Chinese. Students hone their skills in Mandarin Chinese through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Students complete their science courses in Mandarin Chinese: Earth Science (grade 6), Life Science (grade 7), and Physical Science (grade 8).
Students in 8th grade also complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Mandarin Chinese.
At Highland Park Senior High School, students complete their Mandarin Chinese Dual Language Immersion pathway. Students have the opportunity to complete the following courses in Mandarin Chinese:
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In Chinese Immersion 9, 10, 11, 12, students hone their language and literacy skills in Mandarin Chinese through listening, reading, writing, and speaking. In Chinese Immersion 11 and 12, students can take advantage of the “College in the Schools” (CIS) program and earn up to ten college credits through the University of Minnesota.
Highland Park also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme; Chinese immersion students take IB assessments in the upper grades to demonstrate their language proficiency. The IB assessments also qualify students for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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Spanish
PreK-12 Spanish Dual Language Immersion Pathway
Elementary
Middle School
High School
Adams Spanish
Immersion (PreK-5)Highland Park
Middle School (6-8)Highland Park
Middle School (6-8)Riverview West Side
School of Excellence (PreK-5)Wellstone
Elementary (PreK-5)The Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program began in 1986 with Adams Spanish Immersion, followed by dual language immersion programs at Riverview West Side School of Excellence and Wellstone Elementary. Families can choose to begin their pathway at one of three elementary schools:
Adams Spanish Immersion School is a one-way program that follows a 100:0 language immersion model. English instruction begins in 2nd grade. At each subsequent grade level, the amount of instruction in English is increased by 10% so that by fifth grade, students are taught 60% in the partner language and 40% in English. In 5th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Spanish.
Riverview West Side School of Excellence and Wellstone Elementary both offer a two-way program that follows an 80:20 language immersion model. Both Spanish and English are used for academic instruction beginning in preK. By 3rd grade, students are taught 50% in Spanish and 50% in English. In 5th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Spanish.
At Highland Park Middle School, students from all three elementary schools continue their Spanish Dual Language Immersion pathway. The school provides an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), which helps students gain a global perspective. Together, the IB and dual language immersion program challenges students to explore complex issues, take action to solve problems and reflect on what they’ve learned. Highland Park Middle School boasts the most robust middle school language immersion offerings that students can complete in Spanish:
- Spanish Immersion 6, 7, 8 is a language arts class taught in Spanish. Students hone their skills in Spanish through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Students can complete their social studies courses in Spanish: Minnesota Studies (grade 6), American Studies (grade 7), and Global Studies (grade 8).
- Students can complete their math courses in Spanish in grades 6, 7, 8.
- Students can complete their science courses in Spanish: Earth Science (grade 6), Life Science (grade 7), and Physical Science (grade 8).
In 8th grade, students complete a language proficiency test to provide feedback on their progress in Spanish.
At Highland Park Senior High School, students complete their Spanish Dual Language Immersion pathway. Students have the opportunity to complete the following courses in Spanish:
- In Spanish Immersion 9, 10, 11, 12, students hone their language and literacy skills in Spanish through listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Additional courses taught in Spanish include World History 9 (Honors) and Human Geography 10 (Honors).
Students can earn a Spanish Immersion Certificate of Achievement, which includes extra activities and service-learning projects to accompany their schoolwork. Highland Park also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme; Spanish immersion students take IB assessments in the upper grades to demonstrate their language proficiency. The IB assessments also qualify students for the Minnesota Bilingual Seal.
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INDIGENOUS AND WORLD LANGUAGES
Our mission is that all SPPS students gain communicative and intercultural competence in a language other than English. SPPS hosts the most diverse set of indigenous and world language offerings in Minnesota. Students have the opportunity to complete language courses in 11 different languages. These offerings include our district-wide online courses available in Hmong, Karen, Japanese, L/Dakota, Ojibwe and Somali (beginning fall 2024).
Language Offerings
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Elementary School
American Indian
Magnet SchoolCapitol Hill
Gifted & TalentedHazel Park
Preparatory AcademyHighland Park
Elementary SchoolL/Dakota, Ojibwe
French, Spanish
Spanish
Spanish
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Middle School
American Indian Magnet
School (PreK-8)
Battle Creek Middle School
Capitol Hill
Gifted & Talented (1-8)
E-STEM
L/Dakota, Ojibwe
Hmong
French, Spanish
Spanish
Farnsworth Aerospace
Upper Campus (5-8)
Global Arts
Hazel Park
Prepatory Academy (PreK-8)
Hidden River
Middle School
Hmong
Spanish
Spanish
French, Spanish
Highland Park
Middle School
Humboldt High School (6-12)
Murray Middle School
Open World Learning
Community (6-12)
French, Mandarin Chinese,
Spanish
French, Karen, Spanish
Spanish
French, Spanish
SPPS Online (6-12)
Txuj Ci HMong Language & Culture
Program - Upper Campus (6-8)
Washington Technology
Magnet (6-12)
Spanish
Hmong
French, Hmong,
Karen, Spanish
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High School
Central Senior High
Como Park
Senior HighCreative Arts
SecondaryOpen World
Learning CommunitySPPS Online
High SchoolFrench, German,
Hmong*, Latin,
Japanese*, Karen*,L/Dakota*,
Mandarin Chinese,
Ojibwe*, Spanish
Hmong*,
Japanese*,
Karen, L/Dakota*,
Ojibwe*, Spanish
Hmong*,
Japanese*,
Karen*,
L/Dakota*,
Ojibwe*Hmong*, Japanese*,
Karen*, L/Dakota*,Ojibwe*, Spanish
Hmong*,
Japanese*,
Karen*, L/Dakota*,
Ojibwe*, Spanish
*Indicates a district wide online course
Harding Senior High
Highland Park
Senior HighJohnson Senior High
Washington Technology
MagnetFrench, Hmong, L/Dakota,
Japanese, Karen,
Ojibwe, SpanishFrench, Hmong*,
Japanese*,
Karen*, L/Dakota*,
Mandarin Chinese,
Ojibwe*, Spanish
Hmong*, Japanese*,
Karen, L/Dakota*,
Ojibwe*, Spanish
French, Hmong, Japanese,
Karen, L/Dakota*,
Mandarin Chinese,
Ojibwe*, Spanish*Indicates a district wide online course
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MINNESOTA BILINGUAL SEALS
The mission of our Bilingual/Multilingual Seal or World Language Certificate Program is to honor the language assets of all of our SPPS students. The Minnesota Bilingual Seal and World Language Certificate is an award given by Minnesota school districts in recognition of high school graduates who have attained proficiency in English and another language, including American Sign Language and tribal languages. A Multilingual Seal is awarded to high school graduates who have attained proficiency in English and two or more additional languages.
View the Bilingual Seals video:
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Students in all graduation pathways are eligible to earn an award. Students who have earned a Bilingual Seal or Certificate receive a physical award and a notation on their high school transcript. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, a statewide system of 30 colleges and seven universities with 54 campuses across the state, offer college credit for the Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals and World Language Proficiency Certificates, as seen below:
Award
Proficiency Level
College credit earned
World Language Proficiency Certificate
ACTFL Intermediate Low
2 semesters=10 college credits
Gold Seal
ACTFL Intermediate High
3 semesters=15 college credits
Platinum Seal
ACTFL Advanced Low
4 semesters=20 college credits
Students have up to 3 years after their high school graduation to request college credits earned from a Bilingual/Multilingual Seal or Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bilingual Seals
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How can I earn a Bilingual/Multilingual Seal or Certificate?
Intermediate Low proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in a language other than English. To earn a Seal, students must demonstrate proficiency in English by having met their English Language Arts requirements for high school graduation. Students must also demonstrate ACTFL Intermediate High proficiency (Gold Seal) or ACTFL Advanced Low proficiency (Platinum Seal) in reading, listening, speaking and writing in a language other than English.
Students demonstrate proficiency in languages other than English on a qualifying assessment. Qualifying assessments include AP, IB, DELF, and DSD2 assessments. There are qualifying assessments available in 30 languages:
Amharic
Dari
Hungarian
Mandarin Chinese
Somali
Arabic
French
Italian
Ojibwe
Spanish
ASL
German
Japanese
Oromo
Swahili
Bulgarian
Hebrew
Karen
Pashto
Tamil
Czech
Hindi
Korean
Portuguese
Ukranian
Dakota
Hmong
Lakota
Russian
Vietnamese
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How can I register for a Bilingual Seal assessment?
Students can complete a language proficiency assessment at their home school during the school day. Testing opportunities include:
- Students can complete AP, IB, DELF, or DSD2 assessments as scheduled.
- Students can register for a Bilingual Seal assessment opportunity.
Please view the schedule below for upcoming testing opportunities at your high school.
Register for the Bilingual Seals Assessment here: bit.ly/3Rwc77X
High School
2024 Bilingual Seal Testing Dates
AGAPE
March 6 - 8
Central Senior High School
March 19 - 22
Como Park Senior High School
April 30 - May 3
Creative Arts Secondary School
February 27 - 28
Focus Beyond Transition Services
Scheduled individually with students
Gateway to College
February 29, March 1, and March 4
Gordon Parks High School
April 16 - 18
Harding Senior High School
April 16 - 19
Highland Park Senior High School
February 13 - 16
Humboldt High School
March 19 - 22
Johnson Senior High School
March 4 - 8
LEAP
February 21 - 23
Open World Learning Community
April 23 - 24
SPPS Online High School
May 14 - 16
Washington Technology Magnet
April 1 - 4
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