Our department, Languages other than English, currently offers Jasper students the opportunity to choose from 4 different languages. 

Our modern language classrooms provide students with state of the art digital recording labs to help students meet goals of effectively communicating in their second language.  Students are required to complete 2 consecutive years of a second language. Several languages offer students the opportunity to become members of nationally affiliated honor societies, and compete in regional, state, and national competitions.  

Did you know that...

• Texas children need second language fluency in order to be competitive in the 21st century.
• Students of foreign language score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English.
• Students who average 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the SAT than those who had studied 4 or more years on any other subject area. (1992 report consistent with College Board profiles of previous years.)
• Students of foreign languages have access to a great number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own language and other cultures.
• Children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems.
• Texans fluent in other languages enhance US economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain national, political and security interest.

Classes Offered

Chinese I

Chinese I is an introduction to the Chinese world, its language and its people. The main emphasis is on oral skills while developing reading and writing skills. The student will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships of language and will develop a cultural appreciation of the Chinese world. The focus of the course is on novice proficiency.

Chinese II

Chinese II continues to develop the oral skills with added emphasis on reading and writing skills. The focus is on the development of mid to high-novice proficiency. Expansion of vocabulary and grammatical structures continues. Contrast between English and Chinese will strengthen the language learning process. Culturally related activities of selected Chinese speaking countries or regions will be explored.

French I

French I is an introduction to the French world, its language and its people. The main emphasis is on oral skills while developing reading and writing skills. The student will be guided in recognizing the interrelationships of languages and will develop a cultural appreciation of the Francophone world. The focus of this course is on novice proficiency.

French II

French II continues to develop the oral skills with added emphasis on reading and writing skills. The focus is on the development of mid-to high-novice proficiency. Expansion of vocabulary and grammatical structures continues. Contrast between English and French strengthens the language-learning process. Culturally related activities of selected French-speaking countries or regions will be explored.

French III Honors

French III Honors is an expansion of French III. It is designed to provide tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade talented language students some opportunities beyond those offered in other language classes. The course extends the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It utilizes higher-level/critical thinking skills and focuses on the development of mid-intermediate proficiency in oral skills, comprehension of French literature and history, expository composition, and expanded use of grammar and vocabulary. The focus of this course is an intermediate proficiency.

American Sign Language I

American Sign Language I is an introduction to both the language and the culture of the Deaf community. The course emphasizes communication, with a focus on developing receptive and expressive skills. Students will explore the connections between languages and gain an appreciation for Deaf culture. The primary goal of this course is to build novice-level proficiency in ASL.

American Sign Language II

American Sign Language II builds upon foundational skills to further develop communicative proficiency, with a focus on reaching mid- to high-novice levels. Students will expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of ASL grammar. The course emphasizes the contrasts between English and ASL, as well as the cultural differences between the hearing and Deaf communities, to enhance the language learning experience. Culturally relevant activities will also be explored throughout the course.

Spanish I

Spanish I is an introduction to the Spanish world, its language and its people. The main emphasis is on oral skills while developing reading and writing skills. The student will recognize the interrelationships of languages and will develop a cultural appreciation of the Hispanic world. The focus of this course is on low novice proficiency.

Spanish II

Spanish II continues to develop the oral skills with added emphasis on reading and writing skills. The focus is on the development of mid novice to high-novice proficiency. Expansion of vocabulary and grammatical structures continues. Contrast between English and Spanish strengthen the language learning process. Culturally related activities of selected Hispanic countries or regions will be explored.

Spanish III Honors

Spanish III H is an expansion of Spanish III. The course extends the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It utilizes high-level/critical thinking and focuses on the development of mid intermediate proficiency in oral skills, comprehension of Spanish literature history, expository composition, and expands the use of grammar and vocabulary.