Classical Languages
A Classical Language is one no longer regularly spoken (at least in its Classical form) and the study of which is mostly focused on reading texts. Even in these languages, it is often didactically useful to use all three communicative modes, but in the end the focus will be on interpretive reading. Some languages exist in both Classical and modern forms (e.g. Ancient Greek vs. Modern Greek), in which case the standard, the language and intercultural competencies, and the benchmarks and the learning indicators described in this document would apply to the Classical form(s).
Kentucky standard for World Languages Proficiency Adapted for Classical Languages
This document adapts the Kentucky standard for World Languages Proficiency to the realities and circumstances of the Classical Languages education.
This adaptation is intended for teachers and administrators of Classical Languages in K-16 educational settings. It does not constitute, nor intend to, constitute a curriculum or syllabus (curriculum is determined at the local level), and should be applied with flexibility in mind. It reflects the framework of communicative modes as established by ACTFL and incorporate the goals of the 5 C’s of foreign language instruction—Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.
It contains a standard, language and intercultural competencies, and benchmarks and learning indicators. The normative text in this document is independent of a specific language and can be applied to all Classical languages. The sample learning targets, however, are non-normative and contain examples mostly for Latin and some for Ancient Greek. These can and should be adapted for any other Classical language. No particular style of Classical language teaching is presumed by this document.
Administrators, Classical Languages teachers, and curriculum developers are encouraged to use these document in the development and revision of current and future Classical Languages programs.
Kentucky standard for World Languages Proficiency Adapted for Classical Languages
Please contact the world languages team with any questions.