World Language
A minimum of 2 years of study of the same world language or 2 credits Personalized Pathway Requirement (PPR) is a state requirement for high school graduation.
Many four-year colleges require a minimum of three years of study in the same world language.
The World Language Department at Mercer Island High School offers courses in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Levels of study include entry level through Advanced Placement
options. Since acquiring a second language is a skill that develops over time, it is important that students master concepts from one level before continuing onto the next level. The World Language Department strongly recommends a minimum grade above C- in order for students to advance through the beginning levels of the language (1 and 2) and a minimum grade of B- or better to advance at the higher levels (3, 4, and AP). Full participation in an AP course includes an expectation that the student will take the AP examination, for which the student will be prepared throughout the year.
Some students enter high school with significant prior experience in a world language other than English. The World Language Department will conduct placement testing for students who are new-to-MISD or who have prior experience of one of these types.
#1- A student who speaks one of those three languages at home
#2- A student who spends summers speaking Spanish, French, or Chinese.
#3 -A student who has been tutored in one of those languages for several years.
#4 -A student who went to the French American school or other immersion schools
#5- A student who lived in another country where they spoke one of those three languages in the past.
Placement testing should be done prior to registration for the next school year (February/March time frame).
This allows the student to request the appropriate world language course during registration, and it allows the World Language Department to staff classes accurately. Students who take placement tests after registration is completed are not guaranteed placement in the class indicated by the test results.
If you are newly enrolled to the district or hoping to enter a level of language out of sequence, your ability to register for the course is contingent on a one hour placement test with a language teacher. Contact deana.wiatr@mercerislandschools.org to schedule the assessment and please click below to register for the placement test.
World Language Placement Testing Sign-up Form
Students who have taken a Level 1 world language course over two years at IMS and have received a C or better in each trimester have the background to take Level 2 of that world language. They have completed the work that will be presented in Level 1 at the high school.