World Languages Curriculum Framework

Welcome to the Region 10 ESC LOTE Curriculum Framework for the State of Texas. This curriculum framework is designed to support the diverse needs of learners across the State of Texas as they participate in LOTE-approved courses.

The overarching goal of world language instruction is communication (TEKS, 2014). The focus throughout this curriculum framework is to develop learners’ ability to communicate across the three modes of communication- interpretive mode, interpersonal mode, and presentational mode. As learners participate in communicative environments consistently over time, language acquisition can take place and proficiency in communication develops.

Informed by principles of Backwards Design (McTighe & Wiggins, 2011), the curriculum framework serves as a guide towards targeted outcomes defined by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for LOTE courses (2014). Suggested performance assessments in the form of Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) provide opportunities to collect evidence in all modes of communication and can inform teachers of the effectiveness of instructional practices. Suggested planning and instruction gives strong consideration to communicative methods and strategies that will help teachers create communicative environments in their classrooms.

This curriculum framework moves away from past practices that are heavily focused towards explicit learning about language, grammatical structures, and vocabulary. Instead, the focus is set on acquiring language through meaningful contexts where students learn and exchange information in communicative settings with the intention of using that information to do something in the target language. As they participate, students progress in their ability to communicate on a wide variety of topics.