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Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) has achieved a milestone in its Spanish Program, supporting the Seal of Biliteracy initiative. This program recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages by the time they graduate.
Lara DeVries, Chair of the World Languages Department and Spanish Teacher at PCHS, has refined the Spanish curriculum to improve students' reading skills and help them earn the Seal of Biliteracy. "The goal of the World Language Department is to ensure that graduating seniors, who have taken four years of Honors language instruction, exit our program at the Intermediate High proficiency level," DeVries stated. This level allows students to handle tasks and exchange information with native speakers.
The results are notable. In Spanish 4 Honors, 89% of seniors and juniors reached Intermediate High proficiency in reading. Similarly, 84% of sophomores and juniors in Spanish 3 Honors achieved this level, surpassing expectations. Curriculum changes included studying novels about historical events like the Cuban Revolution and the Spanish Civil War.
The Seal of Biliteracy encourages bilingualism and provides tangible proof of language skills valued by employers and colleges. By focusing on language proficiency, PCHS prepares students for a globalized world while adhering to its mission aligned with Augustinian values.
Senior Alex Beltran is pictured with Mrs. Lara DeVries after earning her Seal of Biliteracy.
