Understanding the ACTFL Proficiency Scale and What It Means to Receive an ACTFL Score – LTI Blog

Language proficiency is an asset and a vital skill for academic, professional, and personal growth. As individuals and institutions seek reliable ways to measure and certify language skills, the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines stand out as a trusted standard. But what makes the ACTFL scale unique? And why does receiving an ACTFL score carry such weight? […]

Continue reading

Why Bilingualism in Local Government Is So Important

Why Bilingualism in Local Government Is So Important

An increasing amount of industries and businesses throughout the United States are looking to hire bilingual individuals. Bilingual professionals can communicate in two languages, allowing them to serve customers who speak various languages. They may also have more empathy and a broader cultural perspective, which is essential in the wake of a growing, diverse population. […]

Continue reading

Which Languages Are Growing the Most in the United States?

Which Languages Are Growing the Most in the United States?

The United States of America is home to a diverse population that communicates in over 350 languages. With so many languages spoken in the U.S., businesses nationwide often require a multilingual workforce to meet customer needs. The demand for individuals with specific language skills changes as new language trends emerge.

Continue reading

Top Reasons to Learn a New Language This Year

Top Reasons to Learn a New Language This Year

As you set goals for this year, language learning and communication should be high on your list. Learning a new language can impact your future, whether your goals are personal or professional. It is a significant time commitment. Today, multiple apps and online tools have made it easier than ever. You can learn a language by making […]

Continue reading

Assessing for Proficiency

Performance versus Proficiency As world language educators, we often talk about the distinction between performance and proficiency. Most of us can explain that the former is language that focuses on familiar contexts and has been practiced, whereas the latter is overarching, encompassing authentic tasks in a real-world context. A simple way of conceptualizing this distinction […]

Continue reading

Revamping the DMV and Transportation Sector with Certified Bilingual Professionals

The United States is now the most diverse and multicultural it has ever been, and the need for bilingual staff in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the broader transportation sector is more than a matter of convenience—it’s a strategic imperative. With a multilingual population, language proficiency directly impacts service quality, customer satisfaction, and […]

Continue reading

The Power of Bilingual Educators in Engaging English Language Learners and Their Families

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of a child’s academic success. This is particularly true for English Language Learning (ELL) students. To tap into the full potential of parental engagement, schools need educators who can bridge the language gap between home and school. Bilingual teachers are crucial in ensuring that ELL students and their families are […]

Continue reading

Using ACTFL Assessments to Develop Global Business Leaders: A Case Study

Global Business Leaders Law schools, Business Schools, Schools of International Affairs and Diplomacy – they are all united by a mission to develop tomorrow’s global business leaders. In an increasingly global economy, well-prepared leaders are needed now more than ever.

Continue reading

Benchmarking Language Outcomes with the AAPPL at a Dual Language Immersion Program in Utah

Alpine School District, Utah’s largest with over 85,000 students, faced a significant challenge in its Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program: the lack of a reliable assessment to gauge student language proficiency. Teachers relied on informal observations, leading to inconsistent evaluations and difficulty in addressing individual learning needs. Additionally, the district required a solution that was […]

Continue reading