1 Why do we need standards for world language learning? Students, parents, administrators, and language teachers need to know what learning another language means in U.S. schools. If we are to align our efforts to increase language proficiency, we need common goals and terminology. If language learning is a journey, we need a map to show us the way.

2 What are the different types of standards? Content Standards What should students know and be able to do? Performance Standards How can students show they are achieving the content standards? Proficiency Standards How well are students achieving – how can we measure progress? Program Standards When? Where? Who? – the elements of program design State Standards: Connecting a National Vision to Local ImplementationState Standards: Connecting a National Vision to Local Implementation (PDF) by Paul Sandrock, ACTFL

3 What are the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning? A brief history… 1993 – work on national foreign language content standards began 1996 – generic standards published 1999 – language-specific standards published for: Chinese, Classical Languages, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish 2006 – added language: Arabic Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century

4 The National Standards 5 Cs

5 Communication Communicate in Languages Other Than English Interpersonal Mode Interpretative Mode Presentational Mode

6 Cultures Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures PRACTICES (Patterns of social interactions) PRODUCTS (Books, tools, foods, laws, music, games) o PERSPECTIVES (Meanings, attitudes, values, ideas)

7 Connections Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information Further knowledge of other disciplines Recognize distinctive viewpoints

8 Comparisons Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture Compare language studied to their own Compare culture studied and their own

9 Communities Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home & Around the World Use the language within and beyond school Use language for personal enjoyment and enrichment

10 Instructional Strategies Speak in the target language (keep English to a minimum) Use real objects to convey meaning Teach vocabulary in context Try paired and small-group activities Focus on communication, not just perfect grammar from New Jersey World Language Standards, p. 60

11 Learning Strategies Show students how to: Organize in advance by previewing, skimming, or reading for the gist Reflect on what theyve learned Summarize Ask for clarification or explanation from Standards for Foreign Language Learning p. 34

12 Communications Strategies Circumlocution Guessing intelligently Deriving meaning from context Understanding, interpreting, and producing gestures Asking for and providing clarification Making inferences, predictions, and generalizations Drawing conclusions from Standards for Foreign Language Learning p. 34