By Dámaris Mayans, PhD For many heritage speakers of Spanish—those who grew up hearing and speaking the language at home but received most of their formal education in English (Valdés, 2000) —reading and writing in Spanish can feel like uncharted territory. While oral fluency may come naturally, academic writing often does not. So, what happens […]
Continue reading
The Seal of Biliteracy is an important and meaningful recognition of learners’ achievements in language learning. It celebrates linguistic diversity, honors learners’ heritage languages, and promotes the value of multilingualism in our schools and communities. But to truly support learners’ futures in college, careers, and beyond, it’s essential to look further than the Seal itself […]
Continue reading
At ACTFL® and Language Testing International® (LTI), we are committed to delivering the best possible assessment experiences for educators and learners. We always innovate, always listen, and always improve. As we kick off the new school year, here’s what’s new and updated with the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). AAPPL Test […]
Continue reading
The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) for American Sign Language (ASL) is launching this fall, bringing the trusted ACTFL® gold standard to ASL for the very first time. The test was developed in collaboration with d/Deaf and hearing ASL experts and educators from across the country, as well as psychometricians and […]
Continue reading
The spring testing is upon us. We have prepared useful tips as you plan for testing with the AAPPL and ALIRA. Contact Us Today to Bring Language Proficiency Testing to Your Organization
Continue reading
In today’s world, nearly every profession benefits from multilingual communication. But in healthcare, it’s not just a bonus. It’s often a matter of safety, equity, and legal responsibility. Whether it’s a nurse caring for a Spanish-speaking patient, an EMT responding to a call in a multilingual neighborhood, or a clinic receptionist helping a Chinese family […]
Continue reading
The demand for multilingual professionals is growing fast. In industries such as healthcare, hospitality, construction, and emergency services, the ability to communicate across cultures isn’t just an asset; it’s a workforce necessity. As communities become more diverse and industries more globally connected, employers are increasingly seeking workers who can speak the language of their customers […]
Continue reading
As classrooms increasingly rely on digital platforms for instruction and assessment, ensuring student safety online has become more than a best practice. It’s a legal and ethical responsibility. While teachers often evaluate testing tools and classroom apps based on usability, price, and instructional value, there’s another critical factor that should always be part of the […]
Continue reading
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. I teach courses in interpreting, Spanish, and bilingualism. Most students at our college are bilingual, yet they often enter college unsure of how their language skills relate […]
Continue reading
In today’s economy, language proficiency is more than a communication tool, it is a workforce necessity. As industries expand internationally, integrate diverse workforces, and prioritize safety and efficiency, the demand for bilingual and multilingual professionals has never been higher. Yet, language credentialing often remains an untapped opportunity in Career and Technical Education (CTE). At the […]
Continue reading