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New Bedford Public Schools

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World Languages

NBPS World Languages

World Languages

Our Mission

The New Bedford Public Schools K–12 World Languages Program develops students’ proficiency in languages in addition to  English through culturally sustaining, standards-aligned instruction grounded in the Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework (2021). We provide equitable access to multilingual learning experiences that foster communication, intercultural competence, critical thinking, and global engagement.

 

                          New Bedford PS Logo

 

Dr. Mia Correia

K-12 Curriculum, Data, Assessment Manager for World Languages

Phone: (508) 997-4511 Extension: 20279
Email: miacorreia@newbedfordschools.org
 
 


Welcome to the New Bedford Public Schools K–12 World Languages Program

mia correia

At New Bedford Public Schools, we believe that multilingualism is an essential component of academic excellence, global citizenship, and college and career readiness.

Our K–12 World Languages Program provides students with sustained, proficiency-based instruction in Spanish and Portuguese, beginning in elementary school and continuing through advanced high school coursework. Through culturally responsive teaching, authentic communication, and rigorous performance assessments, students develop the skills necessary to interpret, express, and negotiate meaning in another language.

Our program is aligned to:

  • The Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework (2021)

  • ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines

  • International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)

  • The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

We are committed to graduating students who are:

✔ Linguistically proficient
✔ Interculturally competent
✔ Globally aware
✔ College and career ready

We invite students, families, and community members to explore our program and join us in building multilingual graduates for a global future.

With gratitude, 

Dr. Mia Correia
K–12 Curriculum, Data & Assessment Manager for World Languages


 

Vision Statement

We envision a district in which every graduate demonstrates measurable growth in world language proficiency and intercultural communication.

Our vision is to:

  • Build sustained language pathways from elementary through high school

  • Increase access to and attainment of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

  • Close opportunity gaps through heritage language recognition and inclusive programming

  • Align curriculum, instruction, and assessment to proficiency-based outcomes

  • Prepare students to thrive in multilingual, multicultural academic and professional environments

Languages Offered

Elementary: Portuguese or Spanish

Middle School: Portuguese or Spanish

New Bedford High School: 

  • Traditional World Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, and French
  • Heritage Classes: Portuguese or Spanish

WL Program Highlights

  • Seal of Bilteracy
  • International Baccelaureate Middle Years Programme
  • Heritage Pathways
  • Proficiency-Based Philosophy
  • Multilingual Goals