CISD offers World Languages for middle school and high school students. In middle school, students may begin taking Spanish for high school credit. In high school, students may choose from Spanish, French, Chinese and American Sign Language.

Languages Other than English (LOTE) is an integrated curriculum designed to increase the global competencies of all students while preparing them to compete in a global society. A high quality LOTE curriculum is paired with effective instruction that engages hands, minds and intellect through meaningful, relevant, interactive, and student-centered experiences that support each student in achieving personal success. Reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target language are emphasized, cultivated and assessed through a variety of methods. Through the development of languages other than English, every student will be afforded the opportunity to communicate effectively and acquire information using the target language as a tool to meet future challenges in our multilingual society. We do so, with the beliefs that…

1. All students can learn to communicate effectively in a target language and can develop a life-long appreciation for languages and cultures.

2. Proficiency is attained through holistic learning.

3. Relevance is critical in the language acquisition process.

4. Language learning is an active process and students must be active participants.

5. Studying a world language develops critical thinking skills.

6. The study of a world language will increase global awareness.

7. Technology is an integral component of a world language education.

8. 21st century students require 21st century tools.

9. Language proficiency should begin at an early age.

Alternative Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Credit

Beginning with the Graduating Class of 2028 and beyond, students may be awarded credit for successful completion of LOTE courses NOT offered by the district from an accredited institution within the United States. The LOTE course must be taken outside of normal school hours and credits can only be earned during or after the student’s 8th-grade year. Students can earn a maximum of two credits for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements for LOTE courses not offered in Coppell ISD. GPA credits will not be awarded for these courses. All programs seeking to be considered for credit must meet specific criteria and be pre-approved by the District’s Alternative LOTE Credit Committee.
 

• Alternative LOTE Credit Process

• Alternative LOTE Credit Approved Institutions

• Alternative LOTE Credit Approval Process for Institutions

• Alternative LOTE Credit Student Request

How many years of foreign language does my learner need to meet graduation requirements?

Two years of foreign language credit in the same language are needed to meet high school graduation requirements. Note: Computer Science courses can be used to satisfy the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) requirements for graduation in the state of Texas.  Please be advised that many colleges and universities do not accept Computer Science as a foreign language. Students and parents should research admissions requirements to verify acceptance into specific colleges or universities.

What languages are offered in Coppell ISD?

In Coppell ISD, learners have the opportunity to take classes in Spanish, French, Chinese, or American Sign Language for high school credit.

What languages are available for Credit By Exam (CBE)?

Coppell ISD students can take a CBE for LOTE credit in over 40 different languages: Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Cabo Verdean, Cantonese, Chin, Chuukese, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Haitian-Creole, Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai'i), Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Ilocano, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional), Marathi, Marshallese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Samoan, Somali Maay Maay, Somali Maxaa, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Yup'ik, and Zomi. Please visit the CISD Assessment website for more information on Credit By Exam (CBE).

How will taking a LOTE CBE impact my child’s Grade Point Average (GPA)?

If a learner takes the LOTE CBE, the score for Year One on the foreign language assessment will be entered on the student’s transcript. This pertains to both passing and failing scores. The score cannot be removed from the transcript, even if it is a failing score.

Please consider the bullets carefully for students taking a LOTE CBE. 

• Beginning July 1, 2022, for the graduating classes of 2025 and beyond, Avant CBEs utilized exclusively for awarding academic credit for Languages Other Than English (LOTE) will be calculated at a Level 3 Grade Point Average (Honors Level) weighting. 

• For the class of 2025 and beyond, the first two years of foreign language high school credit are included in the formula which determines a learner’s rank in class GPA. Each additional year of foreign language high school credit awarded will be included in the cumulative GPA. 

• LOTE CBEs for the graduating classes of 2023 and 2024 will remain a Level 2 Credit. 

• Not all high school level courses are offered on a middle school campus. Therefore, middle school learners who accelerate through available foreign language courses may need to take courses online. Online courses count as Level 2 On Grade Level toward a Grade Point Average (GPA). 

• In grades 6 or above, a CBE in the same foreign language may be taken only twice to earn additional years of high school credit. 

• Once high school credit is awarded on a transcript, the transcript may not be changed.