World Language Program Turns 10! By C A R A D ’AVA N ZO Communications Writer
Hui Xu, Director of World Languages, Reflects on Progress and Possibilities This summer marks the 10-year anniversary of our World Language program, which has transformed foreign-language instruction at Singapore American School. Over the summer of 2012, specialized language classrooms were created above the current PTA office and the elementary school moved from Chinese-only, twice-weekly language classes to daily instruction in either Chinese or Spanish. Additional teachers and instructional assistants (IAs) arrived, and language teachers schoolwide began the transition from a more traditional approach to a proficiency-based philosophy that mandates around 90-percent use of the target language in the classroom. Today, the SAS World Language program gives families plenty of choice and students plenty of opportunities for achievement. The overall goal is bilingualism for every student, and the emphasis on speaking and listening means students are empowered to use their language skills and confident in their abilities. SAS Director of World Languages Hui Xu tells us her thoughts about this 10–year milestone. 19
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How would you describe the SAS World Language program today? SAS elementary school students may choose between daily classes in Chinese and Spanish and also have the option to join the Chinese immersion program. Starting in middle school, French becomes an option, and students may choose to take classes in other subjects taught in the target language, such as the eighth grade’s Spanishlanguage Dual Language Immersion (DLI) social studies class or the high school’s AT Chinese History class. We see high levels of satisfaction from students and parents and positive outcomes demonstrated by standardized test results and student attainments.
How does SAS hire great language teachers? SAS recruits excellent teachers directly through our website, through networking among educators, and, less often, through teaching fairs and search firms. We look for language teachers that come from programs we know are similar to ours, and we promise—and deliver— plenty of professional development to support them. In recent years, we have streamlined our hiring process and now require a “demo lesson” and explanation of the teaching practices shown. Our reference checks are very comprehensive, and we look for candidates who are eager learners, adaptive, collaborative, and willing to grow.
What is the SAS philosophy for foreign language instruction? Our first focus is on oral proficiency, so that students become confident using the language in authentic situations. We also emphasize cultural knowledge and understanding of the countries and peoples that use each language. As students’ speaking and listening skills develop, these are complemented with an increased focus on literacy skills. As Superintendent Tom Boasberg wrote earlier this year, “we believe deeply in developing the bilingual abilities of our students. To be bilingual in today’s world is an incredible strength and asset. We want to do all we can to nurture and develop those abilities in our students.”
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