NADSFL Strategic Language Summit Glastonbury, CT July 13-15, 2009 Marty Abbott, ACTFL Director of Education

Implementing Change  Have a clear direction and articulate the vision “Begin where you are but don’t stay there…” “In times of rapid change, experience is your worst enemy.”  Involve stakeholders  Get your “early adopters” on board  “Keep your enemies close”  Talk the talk AND walk the walk  Make sure all languages are included  Respect teachers’ time  Keep your sense of humor

Top Ten “Buts…”  But this is so sudden…  Yet another top down mandate…  But this takes so much time…  But I teach upper levels…  But I’m a grammarian…  But our textbooks don’t have this…  But I haven’t had enough training…

Top Ten “Buts…” continued  But I need to get my students ready for SAT II tests National Exams College AP/IB exams Life  But my students will never be able to do this…  But I’m going to retire soon…