In today’s educational landscape, language programs face mounting challenges. Budget cuts, shifting priorities, and declining enrollment threaten the very existence of world language instruction in many schools. This trend is deeply troubling as multilingualism is an undeniable asset, and the demand for bilingual professionals is only increasing in fields like business, healthcare, politics, and national […]
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As language educators, we all want our students to develop real-world communication skills. But how do we ensure that our instruction aligns with the outcomes we desire? The key is setting clear proficiency goals and then selecting assessments that measure those goals effectively. Without intentional goal setting and appropriate testing, we risk misaligning instruction and […]
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The value of an industry-recognized credential Industry-recognized credentials can include certifications, licenses, and micro-credentials and are a quick way to signal to prospective employers that you have certified skills that are valuable in the workplace. Students in high school seek these credentials for many reasons: to gain full-time employment after graduation, to gain part-time employment […]
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Have you heard conversations like these? Businessperson: Why does our school teach Spanish when we have a large Vietnamese population in our county? We need more trained workers – can we partner with schools or programs in the area to help us? Community service organization volunteer: We need support from the schools and businesses for […]
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Dual language immersion (DLI) programs are built on a foundation of academic achievement, bilingualism and biliteracy, and sociocultural competence. To ensure success, programs must align with research-based best practices, as outlined in the Guiding Principles for DLI Education. The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), the only ACTFL test for learners in […]
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As language educators, we strive to prepare our students for real-world communication and future opportunities. Whether they pursue careers in government, healthcare, business, or education, their ability to use language effectively can open doors. Therefore, providing them with the right assessment tools to showcase their skills is essential. Not all language tests are created equal. […]
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Foreign language teachers, we need to talk—literally. You know that moment when students freeze like deer in headlights when asked to engage in real conversation? They’ve mastered the textbook dialogues and aced the grammar drills, but panic sets in the second they have to actually speak with someone outside the classroom. It kills me because […]
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In 2021, as the world was emerging from the pandemic, I had a sleepless night that reshaped my understanding of grading and its role in student learning. Earlier that day, I had an uncomfortable conversation with a student who aggressively challenged my course structure, demanding detailed instructions on how to get an “A” and criticizing […]
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On March 3-4, 2025, 170 passionate language advocates from 27 states gathered in Washington, D.C., for Language Advocacy Days (LAD), an in-person event organized by JNCL-NCLIS. This year’s theme was “Language Shapes Leaders,” highlighting how multilingualism is not just a skill but a critical leadership asset that fuels economic growth, enhances national security, and fosters […]
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Today’s learners are growing up in a world of instant gratification. For Generation Z, answers to questions are just a search away, purchases arrive in hours, and streaming delivers entertainment on demand. This mindset of immediacy extends to education, where students often ask, “Why am I learning this?” Without a clear connection between classroom lessons […]
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