(Aligned to the New AP Framework)
Use this document to map curriculum, select authentic resources, design tasks, and build thematic units that prepare students for the updated exam.
Disclaimer: these materials are not officially endorsed by College Board. Always check with them for the latest updates.
I. The Six Course Units + Recommended Instructional Contexts
Design each unit using the required AP unit theme and choose several of the recommended contexts below.
Unit 1 – Families and Communities
Contexts to build units around:
- Community Activities
- Family Relationships
- Social Interactions & Relationships
- Urban and Rural Communities
Possible resource types:
articles, interviews, census data, community websites, school policies, family narratives
Unit 2 – Language and Culture
Contexts:
- Customs and Celebrations
- Linguistics
- Spanish in the World (varieties, regionalisms, heritage speakers)
Possible resources:
cultural celebrations, dialect videos, historical texts, festival promos, sociolinguistic infographics
Unit 3 – Art and Creativity
Contexts:
- Architecture
- Artistic Heritage
- Beauty & Aesthetics
- Fashion & Design
- Literature
- Visual and Performing Arts
Possible resources:
poems, museum virtual tours, paintings, song lyrics, designer profiles, dance/film clips
Unit 4 – Science and Technology
Contexts:
- Innovations & Emerging Technologies
- Personal Technology & Communication
- Science in Everyday Life
- Societal Impacts of Science & Technology
Possible resources:
news reports, podcasts, medical advancements, scientific infographics, tech reviews
Unit 5 – Contemporary Life
Contexts:
- Education & Careers
- Entertainment & Media
- Food & Health
- Pop Culture
- Sports & Leisure
- Travel & Tourism
Possible resources:
travel blogs, nutrition articles, sports interviews, school initiatives, job ads, entertainment media
Unit 6 – Global Contexts
Contexts:
- Global Communication
- Natural World
- History
- Policy & Planning
- Transportation
Possible resources:
environmental reports, historical documents, global policy initiatives, public transit maps, debates
II. Simplified Exam Structure (New AP Exam)
Use this to backward-plan assessments and performance tasks.
Multiple Choice (40% of Score – 80 min total)
Listening (25%) – 40 minutes
5 sets × 5 questions each
Task types include:
- Audio + Chart
- Audio Report
- Instructional Guidance
- Interview
- Presentation
Reading (25%) – 40 minutes
6 sets / 30 questions
Task types include:
- Article
- Article + Chart
- Literary Text
- Promotional Material
III. Free Response Section (60% of Score)
1. Project Presentation – 20%
Students prepare a project in advance using a teacher-approved cultural topic.
Exam day: record a 3-minute spoken presentation using a one-page “Personalized Project Reference.”
2. Project Q&A – 15%
After presenting, students answer 4 recorded questions about their project.
Shows depth of understanding, research, and cultural insight.
3. Argumentative Essay – 15%
Respond to a prompt using 3 sources (text + audio) presenting different perspectives.
IV. Unit Planning Checklist (For Each of the Six Units)
Use this section to design strong AP-aligned units.
1. Select Your Contexts
Choose 2–4 recommended contexts from the list above.
2. Gather Authentic Resources
Include at least:
- 1 audio source
- 1 article
- 1 infographic/chart
- 1 cultural product/practice
3. Build Communicative Tasks (All 3 Modes)
Interpretive: readings, audio reports, data interpretation
Interpersonal: discussions, messages, roleplays, interviews
Presentational: cultural explanations, mini-presentations, essays
4. Integrate Cultural Comparison
Add activities that address:
- Products
- Practices
- Perspectives
…across Spanish-speaking communities.
5. Align Assessments to the Exam
Include:
- MC listening and reading
- A presentational speaking task
- A short interpersonal speaking or writing task
- A mini argumentative essay (using 2–3 sources)
6. Project Preparation (For Units Leading to FRQ 1 & 2)
Have students:
- Select a cultural topic
- Gather sources
- Draft their Personalized Project Reference
- Practice presenting and answering follow-up questions
V. At-a-Glance Teacher Uses
This one sheet can help you:
- Build AP units
- Choose authentic resources
- Align assessments with the new exam
- Backward plan from FRQ tasks
- Ensure all modes of communication are represented
- Connect levels 1–3 to AP expectations
- Support vertical curriculum planning
- Integrate cultural depth into every unit
Building Proficiency for World Language Learners: 100+ High-Interest Activities
Discover over 100 dynamic activities to make world language learning interactive and fun. I wrote this book with some of my favorite activities for educators aiming to build proficiency with high-impact strategies.
Learn more and get your copy here.
5 Weeks of No and Low Prep Fun
Need quick, engaging activities for your class? This free guide includes 25 no-prep and low-prep ideas to save time while keeping students excited about learning.
Download your free copy now.