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.
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 both affordable and scalable to accommodate its growing DLI program in four languages: Chinese, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Today, the ability to communicate in more than one language is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. For schools, investing in bilingualism and language proficiency is becoming a critical marker of success, as it prepares students for a globalized future. Understanding the immense benefits of second language acquisition and the importance of assessing language growth can transform educational institutions into hubs of cultural understanding, cognitive development, and future career readiness.
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In the global retail market, efficient communication with suppliers from diverse countries is crucial. As stated in a survey conducted for ACTFL, midsize employers highlight a greater demand for bilingual or multilingual employees compared to their counterparts on a smaller or larger scale. Let’s illustrate how multilingual proficiency can be pivotal in maintaining the smooth operation of a retail company’s supply chain.
Integrating bilingual teachers and counselors is vital for meeting the needs and demands of an increasingly diverse student population in the United States. As the education sector faces significant shifts and challenges related to teacher shortages and rising immigration, strategic recruitment and retention of bilingual educators must be a top priority.
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Validity and Reliability are undoubtedly the two pillars of assessment theory. As an adjunct professor of Assessment, I have had to define these concepts and explain their significance to teacher candidates in all content areas. Often, they confuse the two, so I had to develop a few memorable examples that would stick in their minds, long after they earned their teaching license.
In the fast-paced, retail work environment, customer service is the cornerstone of a company’s reputation and success. Effective communication is essential, especially when handling dissatisfied customers. A bilingual customer service representative can become the hero without a cape when it comes to de-escalating a tense situation, particularly in the United States’ multilingual economy, where over half (52 percent) of employers’ customer service departments require foreign language skills, according to a survey conducted for ACTFL.
In today’s increasingly globalized world, educators need to teach students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This is particularly evident in international schools where students often speak multiple languages at varying proficiency levels. At a school in the Middle East where I oversaw English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEN), we observed a concerning trend: many students consistently struggling with behavior and academic performance also had lower MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) scores. After further analysis, we discovered that many of these students were non-native English speakers, and their struggles stemmed from a lack of proficiency in both their home language and English. However, they would not necessarily be considered as EAL students. These factors contributed to their academic difficulties, leading to classroom behavior issues. This article outlines how we identified the issue, implemented targeted interventions, and tracked progress, leading to improvements for all students.
Clothing stores located in malls nationwide have to be mindful of catering to an increasingly diverse clientele. The United States experienced a surge between the 2010 and 2020 Census of 276% more people identifying as multiracial. Regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds, the aim in the retail sector is to offer diverse options in terms of products and to deliver an exceptional shopping experience. The latter includes addressing customers in their language of preference, so they receive clear, meaningful, and accurate communication that secures their loyalty.
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Cruise vacations are all about relaxation and adventure, no matter the season. However, the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere on a cruise ship can occasionally lead to hectic situations, especially when language barriers arise, even among the crew. In these moments, the staff’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively in multiple languages becomes crucial.