Academics

Mission

At GCIT the Mission of the World Language Department is to educate students to live, work, and lead in a complex, technological, and diverse world. The department sees its role as one that empowers students with 21st Century Skills, so that they can proficiently communicate in other languages and become global citizens.

Vision

At GCIT the Vision of the World Language Department is to:

• equip students to actively and effectively participate and succeed in a global society;

• empower students to acquire perspectives, values, and skills that enhance cross-cultural communication.

At GCIT the World Language Department offers comprehensive instruction at levels one, two, three and four in Spanish and Italian.

Belief Statement

At GCIT we believe the World Language classroom:

• follows the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines to assist students in what they can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations;

• offers relevant and innovative lessons with real world connections;

• encourages respect, trust, open communication, and active listening;

• presents an opportunity to students for applying lifelong language skills as well as developing career goals that are critical for success in this changing world.

The GCIT World Language Department expects and demands academic integrity from all students.

Examples of Cheating, Facilitation and Plagiarism include but are not limited to:

• Use of an electronic device such as Google Translator and/or other e-translators/dictionaries to translate words, sentences, entire paragraphs, dialogues, speeches and others into L2 to complete assignments such as homework, study guides, formative assessments and practices, home projects and skits, and other assignments that students are required to complete by applying vocabulary units learned in the course, and grammar rules learned in the course. Online translators/dictionaries are not an accurate and valid depiction of students' language abilities and current use of grammar/language structures.
• Have a native speaker, friend, family member, tutor writing/translating an assignment in L2 for you. 
• Using unauthorized materials such as a textbook or notebook during an assessment or using technology to illicitly access unauthorized materials.
• Copying from another person’s assignment(s) and/or assessment(s) on paper or online.
• Allowing another person to copy your assignment(s) and/or assessment(s) off your paper or online work.
• Using specifically prepared materials such as notes written on clothing or on hands or any other unauthorized notes during an assessment and/or assignment.
• Unauthorized collaboration with another person during an assessment/individual assignment by giving or receiving information without permission.
• Using unauthorized teacher’s material such as a test sample or a copy of an assignment during an assessment or an assignment.

Students involved in cheating, facilitation and/or plagiarism will be subject to appropriate behavioral consequences, which include: 

• An automatic zero with a note on PowerSchool;
• A phone call and/or email to parent(s)/guardian(s);
• An email to guidance;
• And a disciplinary referral to administration.

Additionally, students committing any of the above acts of plagiarizing and/or cheating might, at the discretion of the teacher, be able to complete an alternative assignment in an appropriate manner to allow for a true measurement of student academic achievement. 

Any newly admitted student at GCIT taking a World Language (Italian or Spanish) who wishes to test out of Level I or higher Levels of the World Language can schedule and complete the World Language Placement Exam during the summer. If a student is not able to take this exam during summer, he/she will take it on the first two days of the semester.

The purpose of the World Language Placement Exam is to measure a student’s academic readiness for the next level(s) of the World Language. The test consists of questions on vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension. There is an oral and listening part to this test along with a writing essay.

Upon completion of the exam, students will receive a score and placement recommendation. Students will be registered by their Guidance Counselor in the recommended course. Students must score 84 or higher to be able to move to a higher level of the language.

The World Language Placement Exam serves also as proof of achievement for the purpose of fulfilling the language requirement. Therefore, if a student passes the exam, that score will appear on his/her transcript and the student receives credit.