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Demonstrating Educator Effectiveness and Documenting Student Growth Position Statement
The educator is the catalyst for developing learners’ language proficiency and global competence so that learners are prepared to interact and communicate successfully in the global community.
What is a World Language?
A world language is a form of communication, essential to the culture of a community, with a system of sounds, letters, symbols, and/or signs recognized and utilized by humans. A world language fulfills all the following criteria, distinguishing it from other forms of communication:
Supporting the Study of World Languages and Computer Science
ACTFL advocates the study of both world languages and computer science. Both are essential skills in a world that is connected across borders and through technology. Both provide specific skills and a way of thinking; however, the perspectives and skills gained are not equivalent.
The Role of Language Learning in Valuing Diversity and Promoting Unity
Recognizing the current contentious climate in the U.S., the ACTFL believes it is uniquely positioned to help bridge the ideological gaps that divide our nation. We stand with our more than 13,000 members in asserting strongly that diversity and intercultural competence are qualities that must be embraced in the U.S. and throughout the world.
The Role of Technology in Language Learning
ACTFL strongly recommends that a language educator be responsible for the planning, instruction, assessment, and facilitation of any language course, leveraging technology to support language learning. Language instruction is best guided by language educators rather than solely delivered via a computer program or by a non-content specialist.
Diversity and Inclusion In World Language Teaching & Learning
ACTFL values diversity and strives for inclusion across world language teaching and learning contexts. It is committed to continuous reflection and evaluation of its specific practices and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. ACTFL believes strongly in equal access to world language study and equitable opportunities for all individuals to develop linguistic and cultural competence and pedagogical knowledge. No individual should experience marginalization of their contributions or talents because of their unique attributes.
Remote Assessment for World Language Teaching and Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to many ongoing inequities in education and has raised various challenges for assessing student progress in remote, in-person, and hybrid learning environments. Ensuring learners’ access to online learning and assessments remains a high priority. The myriad challenges of connecting to remote assessments and health, safety, and other considerations for in-person assessments show the complexity of assessment.
Class Size as a Factor Influencing Language Learning
It is evident that class size impacts a multitude of factors related to teacher efficacy and student success across all disciplines, including K-20 World Language education. Communication is at the core of the World-Readiness Standards and students are learning to interact with cultural competence, connect with other disciplines, and use the language to investigate and interact in order to participate in multilingual communities. Maintaining smaller class sizes has a positive effect on student achievement and satisfaction.
ACTFL Board of Directors Votes to Keep Future Conventions Out of States with Anti-Transgender Laws
Members of the ACTFL Board of Directors unanimously passed a motion on May 22, 2021, that will exclude any yet-to-be contracted locations with current or pending anti-transgender legislation from future consideration to host the ACTFL Convention until such legislation is overturned or reconsidered.
ACTFL NAMES DR. CELIA ZAMORA AS DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND CERTIFICATION
ACTFL is pleased to announce that Dr. Celia Chomón Zamora has been named Director of Professional Learning and Certification at ACTFL, effective July 1, 2021.