Our entire language program is encompassed under the new program title International Language Academy. This Academy is a way for both zoned and non-zoned students to enter Johnston Middle School and be a part of a three year advanced study of the language of their choice.
If a student has studied one of our four languages, Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish, in elementary school and wants to continue that study at JMS, he/she can apply to the International Language Academy. Also, if a student has not studied one of our languages, but is a heritage speaker of a second language, this would be an excellent way to improve skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in that 2nd language.
Click on this link for an application to the International Language Academy:
ILA Application 2011 – 2012., English, doc
ILA Application 2011 – 2012, Span
This application can be used for any of our 4 languages including Dual Language Spanish speakers.
For those who have studied Spanish in elementary school and/or who speak Spanish at home, there are two options. One is the Dual Language program of Advanced Spanish for those more advanced who are basically fluent and have strong reading and writing skills. The other option is the International Language Academy which provides 7th grade Spanish in 6th grade and 8th grade Spanish I for high school credit in 7th grade. If students qualify, they could take Spanish II in 8th grade. 7th grade students can also apply for our AP Spanish IV class for 8th grade. Upon completion of the course and success on the AP Exam, students can receive up to 4 years of high school credit in Spanish!
For the other three languages, CHINESE, JAPANESE, and FRENCH, students with prior knowledge and experience in the language are able to receive a Principal’s Transfer to JMS (if they are not zoned) and may take the 7th grade level of their language in 6th grade, and continue their study at more advanced levels with high school credit in 7th and 8th grades.
We are the only middle school in southwest Houston to offer a sequential language program in Japanese! For our students of Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, we have funds from our three-year FLAP Grant to provide for cultural experiences and field trips which should enhance the enjoyment of learning the language. We are also partnering with the Japan-America Society of Houston on a student exchange program. In June 2008, two JMS students spent two weeks in Chiba City, Japan. In August 2009, we hosted four students from Japan in our school and in our homes. In June 2010, four JMS students traveled to Japan for a two-week home stay!
All students in the International Language Academy are monitored as to grades and behavior and follow an entrance agreement, and a probation and exiting program similar to the Magnet Program. Bus transportation is not provided for LANGUAGE ACADEMY students, but they are eligible to enjoy classes in our excellent Fine Arts Department along with their Language classes.
Ms. Bandercan
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