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Diamond Path's vision of A society of life long learners building a global perspective for a better world. is reflected in our international studies theme. International studies is not a separate field or subject, but calls for the infusion of a global perspective in all subjects when appropriate. It helps students understand the world's people, places, and problems. Our students work to develop an international perspective through the study of world languages, global issues, history, culture, and geography. Our students are learning to become knowledgeable and active citizens of our global society.

Literacy and math are the lynchpin of the elementary school day and continue to be the main focus of instruction. Diamond Path maintains a rigorous core curriculum in literacy, math, science, and social studies. More information about our core curriculum can be found at www.district196.org/curriculum/ElementarySchool.

Diamond Path uses these six themes of international studies:

• Who We Are: An exploration of ourselves, families, friends, communities, cultures, beliefs, values, rights and responsibilities
• Where We Are in Place and Time: An exploration of our personal histories; history and geography from local and global perspectives; the contributions of individuals and civilizations
• How We Express Ourselves: An exploration of the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values through language and the arts.
• How the World Works: An exploration of nature, the physical and material world, and the world of science and technology.
• How We Organize Ourselves: An exploration of human systems, communities, and the world of work.
• Sharing the Planet: An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we strive to share finite resources with other people and other living things.

More information about our district's magnet schools can be found on the District's web site:
ISD 196 MagnetSchools

World Languages at Diamond Path

Diamond Path offers our students a choice of studying Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. We are one of the few elementary schools in the country to offer two world languages. Beginning in kindergarten, students select either Mandarin Chinese or Spanish as their language of focus and are expected to stay with that language throughout their elementary years. Students in grades one through five receive ninety minutes per week of language instruction, while kindergarten students receive sixty minutes each week. Our world language teachers are native speakers of their language and are fully certified by the state of Minnesota to teach their language. Regardless of the world language selected to study, students will receive cultural exposure to both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish through classroom instruction and the specialist areas of art, music and media.

Diamond Path follows the FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) model set by the Center for Applied Linguistics (www.cal.org) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (www.actfl.org). The primary focus of FLES is on understanding, listening, speaking, and cultural awareness. Grammar is not ignored, but learned indirectly rather than through direct instruction. FLES programs follow the natural sequence of language learning: understanding, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

While learning a second language at any age is beneficial, there are numerous advantages to language learning at an early age. Studies have shown that the human brain is more open to language development during the years between birth and pre-adolescence and that children are more likely to develop a native-like pronunciation of the language. Other benefits can include improved overall school performance, higher problem-solving skills, and increased scores on standardized tests.

Diamond Path's Chinese program is participating in a multi-year research project entitled Chinese Language Evaluation Study with Iowa State University and The Center for Applied Linguistics. Students in kindergarten and first grade, with parent permission, are included in this study. More information about the study can be found at http://www.nflrc.iastate.edu/chinese.

RESOURCES

• Center for Applied Linguistics - www.cal.org/resources/pubs/brochure.html
• Years of Languages, www.yearoflanguages.org