The Foreign Languages Department of the Malden Public Schools holds clearly to the concept that studying a language is a learning adventure with multiple benefits. As stated in the Massachusetts State Frameworks "Language learning is never just about words. Language is the medium in which human beings think and by which they express what they have thought. The study of language - any language - is therefore the study of everything that pertains to human nature, as humans understand it". Our students will not only the gain acquisition of another language; they will also gain immeasurable insights of the world around them. They will better appreciate and understand themselves and others.

The languages offered in our schools K-12 are French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. We have aligned our Foreign Languages Curriculum with state, regional and national standards. Those standards are reflected by communicative, proficiency based performance tasks for our students. The foreign language educators incorporate all of the latest pedagogical methodologies, keeping in mind the varying learning styles and needs of the students. Our Assessment Program reflects the curriculum and instructional methods. It features both formal and informal assessment opportunities, including oral and written portfolios for our students.

Malden High School has a 30-station technology laboratory dedicated to learning foreign languages featuring the latest computer technology and viewing capabilities. Over 1000 students use the Center on a weekly basis at the High School. The Forestdale School also houses a state-of-the-art technology center in which the teachers will integrate curriculum, instruction and assessment via technology for the various language programs in that school - World Languages, FLES, and Two-way Bilingual.

Over the past years the Malden Public Schools was the recipient of a federal FLAP Grant, (Foreign Languages Assistance Program) for the study of Spanish in the elementary schools and presently we are honored with two C.A.S.IT. (Centro Attiviche Scholastiche Italiano) Grants for the study of Italian Language and Culture ("Benvenuti in Italia" program) at the Beebe and Linden schools.

On learning a language.....
"Through learning language we learn about culture. Through learning about culture we learn appreciation for others. Through learning appreciation for others we can hope for peace."
(Author unknown)

Malden High School:
Spanish
Diane Wade
Josephine Altovino
Vicki Munoz-Lepore
Mar Marjomaa
Sharon Kalagher

French
Paul Degenkolb
Molly Crellin

Italian
Donna Leuzzi
Teresa Murano

Latin
Eleanor Wright

Forestdale International School:
Ms. Barbara Roberts (Spanish - Grades 7 and 8)
Ms. Andrea Markarian (Spanish) - Grades K-6

Beebe School:
Loredana Onofri (Italian and Spanish) - Grade 7 and 8)

Salemwood School:
Ligia Centeno - Spanish - Grades 8
Abdel Sepulveda -Spanish - Grades 7

Linden:
Assunta Bello- Spanish Grade 8
Joan Fiore-Papadopoulos Italian Grade 7
Serafina Tassi Italian - Grades 3-6