LOTE or Languages Other Than English is the name given to language subjects, other than English. McKinney ISD language classes enable students to communicate in a foreign language. Classes are designed around six themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities and Beauty and Aesthetics. Based on these themes, language units are designed to communicate about and raise awareness for cultural products, practices and perspectives. Each unit has structural foundations to enable students to practice their language skills in all modes of communication through contextualized activities and the integration of a variety of authentic contexts based on interdisciplinary topics.

LOTE Mission

McKinney ISD World Language Department is committed to inspire each student to become a life-long learner while acquiring the skills needed to successfully and confidently communicate in the target language and promoting awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity around the world.

LOTE Beliefs

Everyone who can communicate in a first language can acquire a second language.

Second language acquisition should be learner-centered. Research shows that students learn best through context and discovery rather than through direct translation and explicit grammar instruction. The teacher’s role is to provide maximum input in the target language and facilitate discovery and practice.

Instruction should be driven by learning targets and performance descriptors based on national standards.
Learning targets and performance descriptors state what students should be able to do in the language.

“Less is more.” – According to current research, students can perform at a higher level when they are not overwhelmed with excessive content. The MISD LOTE curriculum is a minimum-based curriculum and teachers are expected to teach beyond the learning targets.

TEKS for LOTE

• TEKS for LOTE