Mission,+Vision+and+Values

 The mission of the World Language Program at Renaissance Academy is to provide students with dynamic instruction and experiences in languages and cultures from around the world with Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish as our focus languages. Our program is. Renaissance Academy requires all students K-9 to actively participate in language learning.

 Through a sequenced, context rich environment, students are engaged in purposeful and practical language learning tasks. These tasks are grounded in current research, founded on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning and guided by the Utah State Standards and Benchmarks. Our approach is communicative and competency based, and whenever possible, integrated with core curriculum.

 Exposure to rich and culturally authentic curricula will enhance overall cognitive skills and academic performance and encourage positive attitudes toward diversity and inspire students and families to love languages.

VISION STATEMENT Renaissance Academy -- "Play, Wonder, Explore, Serve"
School-wide commitment beyond the borders of the traditional classroom builds global perspectives and provides students with a strong foundation at Renaissance Academy and supports them in future endeavors.

 The World Language Program will build on students’ natural curiosity by giving them opportunities to use languages to **play** and **wonder**. Meaningful, interactive experiences will help them find their strengths as language learners and **explore** the world through new eyes. As they develop the ability to view languages and peoples from multiple perspectives, students will **serve** willingly and regularly in our diverse, international community.

World Language is the established foundation of the Renaissance Academy Charter, supported by Teachers, Administration, Board, and Parents. As such, the following values and priorities should guide any decision that impacts the effectiveness and sustainability of the program.

1. STAFF In order to maintain the depth and consistency of the language program Renaissance Academy, the hiring, training and retaining of quality language teachers will be of highest priority. The World Language Director will lead the team and guide the development of the program.

2. STUDENTS World Language is at the heart of what we believe every child can learn. Our philosophy maintains that studying a world language, even when it does not come easily, is expected of all students who have been accepted to attend Renaissance Academy. Completion of the language requirement includes passing specified courses, and demonstrating minimal proficiency on multi-skill world language tests. Caring teachers and administrators are committed to doing all they can to encourage the success and happiness of each individual student within the program.

4. CURRICULUM

3. LANGUAGE CHOICES We firmly believe that all world languages hold great significance and value. Arabic, Chinese and Spanish represent vital languages from around the world that we feel will best prepare our students to make a contribution in today’s global society.

5. TEACHING & ASSESSMENT APPROACH

6. TEACHING ENVIRONMENT

7. SCHOOL-WIDE ENVIRONMENT

8. STAKEHOLDERS

9. LEADERSHIP

10. __LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY__