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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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. Certify Your Language […]
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We’re in our most powerful era as language teachers. The development of Seal of Biliteracy credentials in the United States has ushered in opportunities that elevate the power our graduates have. We are not only arming them with valuable 21st century skills but also tangible evidence that enhances their professional potential. For us classroom teachers, […]
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A key concept in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the learner as an agent of social change. “Language education should therefore create learning contexts that encourage learners to grow in their role as social agents, as autonomous and responsible language users. Learners as social agents can then take responsibility for […]
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