World Languages Department Mission Statement
Welcome to the Durfee High School World Languages Homepage. Presently our department offers the study of the following languages: French, German, Latin, Khmer, Portuguese and Spanish. We are a Standards based department in which we strive daily to meet the eight Standards of the Massachusetts State Frameworks; Interpersonal Communication, Interpretive Communication, Presentational Communication, Cultural Comparisons, Connections to other Disciplines and Communities. Language study is no longer the mere memorization of lists of vocabulary words and verb conjugations where accuracy is our sole goal but rather the development of oral and written proficiency whereby our students will be able to communicate in the target language. Language learning is exciting and challenging. Within our classrooms we strive to use cooperative learning strategies as well as team activities. We use varied assessments to reach all our students and provide for differentiated learning so that all our students can acquire the necessary skills to communicate in the target language that they have chosen to study. Many of our courses are projected based so that our students can use the language in real life situations and better develop their understanding of the culture of the language they are studying. To become better acquainted with what this department has to offer, check out the various links of this department.
Paul S. Grillo
Department Chair