Dr. Laura K. Murray National Security Agency AN OVERVIEW OF Dr. Laura K. Murray National Security Agency

STARTALK Video Highlight

What is ? Office of the Director of National Intelligence & National Security Agency $$$ National Foreign Language Center Summer Students Teachers Funded originally by ODNI, now by NSA. NSA has executive oversight of the program. Annual funding for programs has ranged from $12-15M NFLC at UMD administers the STARTALK program in partnership with NSA Primarily intensive programs administered each summer in 11 critical-need languages Programs for both students and teachers

STARTALK Goals Increase the quality and supply of teachers of critical languages throughout the nation Stimulate significant increases in the number of students enrolled in the study of critical languages Improve the quality and effectiveness of critical language curricula Source: ODNI, 2009

Critical Need Languages 2007 – Arabic, Chinese 2008 – Hindi, Persian, Urdu 2009 – Swahili, Turkish 2010 – Dari, Russian 2011 – Portuguese 2015 – Korean All 11 are continuing in 2018

STARTALK Participants 2007–2017 Students: 56,268 Teachers: 12,420 Total = 68,688 We have surveyed participants every year immediately after their STARTALK program, and in 2017 we surveyed them about the longer-term impacts of STARTALK on their lives and careers.

Who Can Get STARTALK Funding? Types of institutions: Postsecondary institutions State and regional educational agencies School districts Public and private schools Community organizations Language associations Corporations

Managing for Quality The STARTALK program does not just write a check for the program and walk away. Quite the opposite. STARTALK programs are set up for success by a variety of means that you will see in the next few slides. We believe that providing adequate and continuously improving support to program staff during all phases of the STARTALK experience is critical.

STARTALK: The Annual Cycle Proposals Award Spring Conference Summer Programs Site Visits Fall Conference During the proposal phase, there are guides to help the applicant understand what proposal reviewers are looking for, along with help-desk support and FAQs. Once a program is awarded, we conduct a spring conference where professional development opportunities are offered. team leader who works with program staff in developing a curricula and learning plans. online resources to support their programs. During the summer program, there is a supportive site visit to validate the program’s strengths, and address challenges. A Fall Conference is convened to celebrate successes, review lessons learned, and begin planning for future programs. And, increased knowledge and improved skills are included in the proposal for the following year.

STARTALK: Quality Control Proposing the Program The Proposal Program goals Key staff Three reviews The Curriculum Plans, assessments, and learning experiences Review, approval, and co-approval process The Site Visit Learning plans Observations Interviews Constructive feedback During the Program Planning the Program

STARTALK-Endorsed Principles Implement a standards-based and thematically organized curriculum Facilitate a learner-centered classroom Use the target language and provide comprehensible input Integrate culture, content, and language Adapt and use age-appropriate authentic materials Conduct performance-based assessment Data analysis from 2007 listed these behaviors present in those programs that were rated most successful by students, program directors, and instructors We listed these principles as STARTALK-endorsed, built resources around them.

https://startalk.umd.edu/public/searchresources STARTALK Resources Filter by language, proficiency level, audience, or resource type Search by keywords We recently redesigned our website with an enhanced search tool to access our resources. You can now filter by language, audience, or resource type, or perform keyword searches to find what you’re looking for. https://startalk.umd.edu/public/searchresources

Based on STARTALK Principles and TELL Framework Professional Learning Resources to Support STARTALK-Endorsed Principles Since 2014, 6 sets of resources based on the STARTALK Principles and TELL frameworks developed, based on different topics. Each set includes processing guides, infographics, videos, and other tools. These resources can help teachers like you to conduct performance assessments, empower your students to use the target language, and check for understanding in your classrooms. 6 sets of resources have been developed for conducting performance assessments, developing learning targets, checking for understanding, using the target language and providing comprehensible input, empowering student target language use, and engaging language learners. These resources are in English and applicable to all language classrooms, and support the TELL Framework Professional Learning Resources Processing guides, infographics, videos, and other resources to support teachers Based on STARTALK Principles and TELL Framework

LangCred: Language Credentialing Up-to-date information on credentialing routes and requirements for all 50 states Compare credentialing routes Search by state for teacher preparation programs One stop shop for information about credentialing programs for ALL languages with credentialing routes in all US States and territories. It allows you to search and compare what you need to do to become certified, based on your education, where you live, and what experience have, and in 2015 it was updated to now not only tell you what you need to do to become certified, but where programs are for you to take those steps in each state. As mentioned, both of these resources support teachers of all languages. Next, I want to share one of our language specific resources

“I am currently working as a diplomat with the Department of State and I can say without a doubt that my STARTALK experience helped me accomplish that goal. It opened my eyes to language learning outside of just an academic context. In addition, it made me more competitive for my first Department of State internship which eventually led to my being hired full-time.” Many more quotes like this. Around 1/5 of respondents said that STARTALK influenced their career choices or choice of major in college, and/or created more career opportunities. 22% “influenced my career choices” 21% “created more career opportunities” 18% “contributed to my choice of major in college” Also, 45% of respondents said it increased their confidence more generally.

Teacher Longitudinal Impact Survey “STARTALK is the backbone of my professional development. I attended it yearly to refresh, reflect, and improve my teaching. It’s also an important opportunity for teachers to share and learn from each other. It gives me hope when I think that, in summer, I will be in a community where it effectively helps me to become a better, more capable teacher, with less stress from my work, because my students will learn better and more happily.” 48% of respondents participated in more than one STARTALK program.

QUESTIONS?