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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.

ACTFL and LTI Announce Five Assessments Recommended for College Credit by American Council on Education

ACTFL and Language Testing International (LTI), the exclusive provider of ACTFL assessments, are pleased to announce that the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) has evaluated and recommended college credit for five ACTFL language proficiency assessments: ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview - Computer (OPIc), ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test (RPT), ACTFL Listening Proficiency Test (LPT), and ACTFL Writing Proficiency (WPT).

ACTFL Announces Four New Board Members for 2021

ACTFL is pleased to announce four new members of its Board of Directors. Victoria Russell of Valdosta State University (GA) and United States Air Force Academy (CO); Maria Carreira of California State University, Long Beach, and National Heritage Language Resource Center (NHLRC); Pam Benton of Pinellas County Schools (FL); and Jeenna Canché of Maui High School (HI) will each begin their terms on January 1, 2021.

ACTFL Awards Grants for 2020 Research Priorities

ACTFL is pleased to announce the 2020 awardees of the ACTFL Research Priorities grants.

ACTFL Names 2021 National Language Teacher of the Year

ACTFL is pleased to announce the 2021 National Language Teacher of the Year has been awarded to Elena Kamenetzky, a Japanese teacher at Eastern High School in Louisville, KY and a regional finalist representing the Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT).