NCDPI World Languages Website (Main Website)

In Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), we are very proud of our World Language Program. As a district, we recognize that language study benefits all students. Developing proficiency in another language leads to higher scores on assessments, greater cognitive development in the areas of mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking and higher-order thinking skills, a broader English vocabulary, a better understanding of one’s own language and culture, and enhanced career opportunities (NCDPI). 

World Language study begins in the 6th grade as an exploratory course that lasts for one semester. In the 7th and 8th grades, students may take a year-long course and earn high school credit. Four languages are offered at the middle school level--Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. Once students transition to high school, they may continue their sequence or choose to explore another language. 

The World Language Essential Standards (WLES) were adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education in September 2010 and implemented in the Fall of 2012.  The WLES are available in two formats: PDF of WLES and Word version of WLES.

In addition, the WLES has several Instructional Toolkit components. The links below provide more detailed information:

• Crosswalk comparing the former standards to the current WLES
• Unpacking Documents for all K - 12 programs described in the WLES
• Classical Languages (ex. Latin) - High School, Levels I - VI
• Dual & Heritage Languages - Dual Language/Immersion (DL/I)
• Dual & Heritage Languages - Heritage Languages (formerly Native Speakers)
• Modern Languages - Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) and Middle School
• Modern Languages - High School, Levels I - VIII
• Global Education Resource document for the WLES

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) provides additional resources to support world language instruction. 

             CHCCS World Language Placement & Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) Information 

• For information regarding the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) and the CHCCS placement process, please consult this linked document.