Hebrew Language

Hebrew I-XI

Utilizing the Bishvil Ha-Ivrit curriculum, along with teacher-generated supplementary materials, our course of study is rooted in the communicative approach, offering students multiple opportunities to develop their communicative language skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Before entering the 9th grade, students complete the Hebrew placement test. Test scores reflect a direct correlation to the Bishvil Ha-Ivrit curriculum and its corresponding American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) proficiency standards. These results provide the information needed to place students in the class best suited for them.

Hebrew I is for students who are new to Hebrew or who have not yet mastered reading Hebrew (decoding of words,) writing in Hebrew (print letters and/or cursive), and/or acquired the 150 basic vocabulary words. Upon completion of this level, most students will be able to listen, view and read with comprehension, and write and speak with emerging fluency and accuracy about the following topics: basic biographical information (e.g. self and family), some daily activities and personal preferences, familiar objects from the immediate environment, and locations in Israel.

Hebrew I-XI progress along the track toward Hebrew proficiency. ACTFL, (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language,) defines levels of proficiency as Novice (beginners), Intermediate, Advanced and Superior. Each level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the course of three and a half years of study. Ninth and tenth graders are placed in classes together, as are students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Below is a chart that generally describes the alignment between the offered Hebrew courses and the levels and subcategories defined by ACTFL.

Alignment between The Leffell School Hebrew Language Course of Study and ACTFL Levels and Subcategories

Novice/Beginners Intermediate Advanced Superior Low Hebrew I Hebrew IV Hebrew VIII Hebrew XI

Mid Hebrew II-III Hebrew V-VI Hebrew IX

High Hebrew III-IV Hebrew VI-VII Hebrew X

Hebrew Language & Culture (HLC)

Hebrew Language and Culture (HLC) is a course of study designed for students who struggle with language acquisition and are designed based on the needs of the students in each class. HLC classes use both English and Hebrew as the language of instruction and follow the program outlined above while progressing at a deliberate pace. HLC classes also engage in project-based learning surrounding areas of Israeli culture. Projects are completed using both English and Hebrew. Students studying in the HLC track are placed in classes based on their grade; HLC-9, HLC-10, HLC-11, and HLC-12.