From http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/04/09/174655354/mom-says-learn-chinese
Mom Says: 'Learn Chinese'
by Elise Hu
April 09, 2013
Despite being a free spirit who raised us without many hard rules, mom insisted on our Mandarin use. "I let teach you English," my mom reminds me. (Thanks, public media!)
I now wear as a badge of honor what were once moments of shame or nuisance. My mom gave us such a gift by insisting we use our mother tongue that I'm trying to pass it on to my own daughter.
Read on (or listen) at http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/04/09/174655354/mom-says-learn-chinese
For more interesting stories from NPR’s Code Switch series, go to http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch
April 13, 2013
International-Education Programs Face Challenges in President's Budget
From http://chronicle.com/article/International-Education/138467
International-Education Programs Face Challenges in President's Budget
By Ian Wilhelm
April 10, 2013
Under President Obama's budget for the 2014 fiscal year, announced on Wednesday, international-education programs would face a gloomy outlook.
The U.S. State Department has requested $309.8-million, a $16.6-million drop from 2013, for academic programs. The Fulbright Program, its flagship academic-exchange effort, would receive $232.5-million, an increase of less than $1-million. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which provides funds for overseas study to undergraduates who receive Pell Grants, would be cut by $2.2-million, to $10.8-million.
The Obama administration is asking for an increase in Title VI funds, which support university centers that conduct research on various regions of the world and foster the study of Bengali, Farsi, and other foreign languages that are rarely taught. The program, which is run by the U.S. Department of Education, would receive $73.5-million in 2014, a $6.9-million increase.
However, the administration did not seek to restore funds that were cut from Title VI in 2011, when it was reduced by some 40 percent.
Read the full article at http://chronicle.com/article/International-Education/138467
International-Education Programs Face Challenges in President's Budget
By Ian Wilhelm
April 10, 2013
Under President Obama's budget for the 2014 fiscal year, announced on Wednesday, international-education programs would face a gloomy outlook.
The U.S. State Department has requested $309.8-million, a $16.6-million drop from 2013, for academic programs. The Fulbright Program, its flagship academic-exchange effort, would receive $232.5-million, an increase of less than $1-million. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which provides funds for overseas study to undergraduates who receive Pell Grants, would be cut by $2.2-million, to $10.8-million.
The Obama administration is asking for an increase in Title VI funds, which support university centers that conduct research on various regions of the world and foster the study of Bengali, Farsi, and other foreign languages that are rarely taught. The program, which is run by the U.S. Department of Education, would receive $73.5-million in 2014, a $6.9-million increase.
However, the administration did not seek to restore funds that were cut from Title VI in 2011, when it was reduced by some 40 percent.
Read the full article at http://chronicle.com/article/International-Education/138467
Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers Grants
From http://www.waflt.net
Do you have a creative teaching idea, but need some financial support to get it going? The Washington Association for Language Teaching encourages and supports professional growth in these areas and more through a variety of grant opportunities.
There are currently three WAFLT grants available:
WAFLT Mini Grant: For proposals to support teaching ideas up to $750. Describe your project; submit a budget and your curriculum vitae. Explain the educational need to be met and how you plan to meet this need. (This grant MAY be used to pay fees for a teacher's class to take the STAMP assessment.) Up to three grants will be awarded. This grant may NOT be used for purchase of texts covered by district funds, your salary while working on the project, personal travel expenses, reimbursement of regular school personnel or reimbursement for time spent developing the project.
Career Development Grant: Intended to encourage and support teachers with three to ten years of teaching experience who intend to make teaching a career. It is intended to further professional development. As such, it may be used for degree programs, travel, foreign-study programs, or books and materials. Describe the project and future goals in language education. Submit a budget and timeline. Include your up-to-date curriculum vitae. Two supporting letters of recommendation should address your initiative and creativity. Total grant shall not exceed $750.
Keith Crosbie Professional Growth Grant: Earmarked to encourage and support the career teacher with ten plus years of experience who is seeking professional growth resulting in a more creative and satisfying career in foreign language education. The scholarship will not exceed $1000. Describe your project and future goals in world language education. Submit a budget and timeline. Your up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume is also required. Two supporting letters of recommendation should address your initiative and creativity.
To be eligible, you must be a current WAFLT member, and you must have been a member for at least the last three consecutive years. If you received a grant last year, you must wait at least one calendar year before applying for another to give others an opportunity.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2013 and applicants will be notified by May 31, 2013.
For full details go to http://www.waflt.net/grantsawards.html
Do you have a creative teaching idea, but need some financial support to get it going? The Washington Association for Language Teaching encourages and supports professional growth in these areas and more through a variety of grant opportunities.
There are currently three WAFLT grants available:
WAFLT Mini Grant: For proposals to support teaching ideas up to $750. Describe your project; submit a budget and your curriculum vitae. Explain the educational need to be met and how you plan to meet this need. (This grant MAY be used to pay fees for a teacher's class to take the STAMP assessment.) Up to three grants will be awarded. This grant may NOT be used for purchase of texts covered by district funds, your salary while working on the project, personal travel expenses, reimbursement of regular school personnel or reimbursement for time spent developing the project.
Career Development Grant: Intended to encourage and support teachers with three to ten years of teaching experience who intend to make teaching a career. It is intended to further professional development. As such, it may be used for degree programs, travel, foreign-study programs, or books and materials. Describe the project and future goals in language education. Submit a budget and timeline. Include your up-to-date curriculum vitae. Two supporting letters of recommendation should address your initiative and creativity. Total grant shall not exceed $750.
Keith Crosbie Professional Growth Grant: Earmarked to encourage and support the career teacher with ten plus years of experience who is seeking professional growth resulting in a more creative and satisfying career in foreign language education. The scholarship will not exceed $1000. Describe your project and future goals in world language education. Submit a budget and timeline. Your up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume is also required. Two supporting letters of recommendation should address your initiative and creativity.
To be eligible, you must be a current WAFLT member, and you must have been a member for at least the last three consecutive years. If you received a grant last year, you must wait at least one calendar year before applying for another to give others an opportunity.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 15, 2013 and applicants will be notified by May 31, 2013.
For full details go to http://www.waflt.net/grantsawards.html
Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers Awards
From http://www.waflt.net
WAFLT Awards: Nominate someone today!
WAFLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR
This new award is a recognition given to members who have a proven track record of:
1. Promoting recognition of the importance of World Language study within and beyond the school community.
2. Displaying innovative approaches and modeling creativity in the teaching of world languages, including sharing, networking and mentoring of colleagues.
3. Promoting excellence and inspiring students.
4. Creating a superior program for his/her department.
5. Striving to promote greater cultural awareness, intercultural understanding, and the celebration of diversity within the classroom and school communities. This award recipient will also be WAFLT's candidate for the PNCFL Teacher of the Year. The ultimate recipient of PNCFL's award will be the regional representative for the ACTFL Teacher of the Year. Nominee MUST be a WAFLT member.
PRO LINGUA AWARD
This award, WAFLT's most prestigious, was inaugurated in 1973. It has been awarded to distinguished world language educators from the elementary to college levels. It has also been awarded to individuals outside our profession, for example, from the world of journalism, business and government. The Pro Lingua Award recognizes individuals or organizations which have made outstanding contributions:
1. In promoting intercultural and international understanding;
2. To the teaching of world languages and to the development and implementation of learning theories;
3. In creating community interest in and awareness of the importance of world language education.
INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons selected by the WAFLT board who has demonstrated leadership and inspiration to others in the world language fields. This certificate recognizes important contributions in promoting, organizing, supporting, defending, lobbying, or planning some important aspect of study of world languages and/or cultures.
PUBLIC AWARENESS CERTIFICATE
This certificate is given to a person or persons who conducted activities or staged events which garnered publicity and created public awareness for the study of foreign languages. Highly recognized world language fairs, community speakers' bureaus, radio and television ads, media stories concerning school programs, and other events aimed at increasing the exposure of second language study to the general populace are examples of the types of activities which the recipient of this award has initiated.
CREATIVE INNOVATION CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons who developed and used innovative methods of teaching in the world language classroom. This could include creative means for teaching second language conversation, inventive ideas for instructing students in culture and multi-cultural awareness, or new and effective methods for developing second language reading and writing skills. Nominee MUST be a WAFLT member.
CONTINUED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons whose contributions to the world language profession have been unflagging and have enjoyed widespread impact. Creating, writing, and/or editing of world language publications; organizational work and service with special projects; help with letter-writing campaigns, leadership in running regional and state conferences, and energetic support of WAFLT activities in general over a period of years are activities this certificate endeavors to recognize.
STUDENT EXCEL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Washington Association for Language Teaching offers up to six $500.00 scholarships each year to Washington residents taking advanced world language courses at the university level. The award is merit based rather than need based. The application deadline for this year is April 15, 2013 and the notification of award will be made by May 15, 2013.
For full details go to http://www.waflt.net/grantsawards.html
WAFLT Awards: Nominate someone today!
WAFLT TEACHER OF THE YEAR
This new award is a recognition given to members who have a proven track record of:
1. Promoting recognition of the importance of World Language study within and beyond the school community.
2. Displaying innovative approaches and modeling creativity in the teaching of world languages, including sharing, networking and mentoring of colleagues.
3. Promoting excellence and inspiring students.
4. Creating a superior program for his/her department.
5. Striving to promote greater cultural awareness, intercultural understanding, and the celebration of diversity within the classroom and school communities. This award recipient will also be WAFLT's candidate for the PNCFL Teacher of the Year. The ultimate recipient of PNCFL's award will be the regional representative for the ACTFL Teacher of the Year. Nominee MUST be a WAFLT member.
PRO LINGUA AWARD
This award, WAFLT's most prestigious, was inaugurated in 1973. It has been awarded to distinguished world language educators from the elementary to college levels. It has also been awarded to individuals outside our profession, for example, from the world of journalism, business and government. The Pro Lingua Award recognizes individuals or organizations which have made outstanding contributions:
1. In promoting intercultural and international understanding;
2. To the teaching of world languages and to the development and implementation of learning theories;
3. In creating community interest in and awareness of the importance of world language education.
INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons selected by the WAFLT board who has demonstrated leadership and inspiration to others in the world language fields. This certificate recognizes important contributions in promoting, organizing, supporting, defending, lobbying, or planning some important aspect of study of world languages and/or cultures.
PUBLIC AWARENESS CERTIFICATE
This certificate is given to a person or persons who conducted activities or staged events which garnered publicity and created public awareness for the study of foreign languages. Highly recognized world language fairs, community speakers' bureaus, radio and television ads, media stories concerning school programs, and other events aimed at increasing the exposure of second language study to the general populace are examples of the types of activities which the recipient of this award has initiated.
CREATIVE INNOVATION CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons who developed and used innovative methods of teaching in the world language classroom. This could include creative means for teaching second language conversation, inventive ideas for instructing students in culture and multi-cultural awareness, or new and effective methods for developing second language reading and writing skills. Nominee MUST be a WAFLT member.
CONTINUED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CERTIFICATE
This certificate is presented to a person or persons whose contributions to the world language profession have been unflagging and have enjoyed widespread impact. Creating, writing, and/or editing of world language publications; organizational work and service with special projects; help with letter-writing campaigns, leadership in running regional and state conferences, and energetic support of WAFLT activities in general over a period of years are activities this certificate endeavors to recognize.
STUDENT EXCEL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Washington Association for Language Teaching offers up to six $500.00 scholarships each year to Washington residents taking advanced world language courses at the university level. The award is merit based rather than need based. The application deadline for this year is April 15, 2013 and the notification of award will be made by May 15, 2013.
For full details go to http://www.waflt.net/grantsawards.html
Spanish Literacy Institute - Fostering Spanish Language and Literacy Development in Grades K-6
CAL is offering a series of summer professional development institutes in Washington, DC this year. First in the series is the Spanish Literacy Institute.
Spanish Literacy Institute - Fostering Spanish Language and Literacy Development in Grades K-6
May 20 - 21, 2013
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Savoy Suites Hotel, Washington, DC
The Spanish Literacy Institute is designed for teachers, specialists, and coordinators who provide support or instruction in the Spanish language in developmental and transitional bilingual, heritage language, language immersion, or dual language settings. This institute will be framed by an understanding of Spanish language arts standards and successful program design.
Participants must be proficient in Spanish and have a working knowledge of English to fully participate in all aspects of the Institute.
Learn more about this and other CAL institutes, and register, at http://www.cal.org/solutions/institutes/index.html#spinstitute
Spanish Literacy Institute - Fostering Spanish Language and Literacy Development in Grades K-6
May 20 - 21, 2013
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Savoy Suites Hotel, Washington, DC
The Spanish Literacy Institute is designed for teachers, specialists, and coordinators who provide support or instruction in the Spanish language in developmental and transitional bilingual, heritage language, language immersion, or dual language settings. This institute will be framed by an understanding of Spanish language arts standards and successful program design.
Participants must be proficient in Spanish and have a working knowledge of English to fully participate in all aspects of the Institute.
Learn more about this and other CAL institutes, and register, at http://www.cal.org/solutions/institutes/index.html#spinstitute
NYU STARTALK Teacher Training for Hindi/Urdu, Dari, Arabic, and Persian
From http://www.scps.nyu.edu/academics/departments/foreign-languages/initiatives/startalk-teacher-training.html
The NYU STARTALK program offers two, intensive teacher training workshops—one in Hindi and Urdu, and the other in Arabic, Dari, and Persian. Supported by a STARTALK grant from the National Foreign Language Center, these courses are part of a larger, ongoing U.S. government initiative to support increased training and education in "critical languages."
The intensive, 10-day residential workshops are designed to enhance the knowledge and the skills of current and prospective school, community, and college teachers of Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Persian, or Urdu. Participants learn the most up-to-date, standards-based teaching methodologies and are required to develop, observe, and critique classroom procedures, strategies, and teaching techniques. The programs include a cultural component in which participants learn how to use the resources available in the community environment. Classrooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment and classes are held on New York University's campus in New York City.
Review of applications begins on May 8, 2013 and will continue for as long as space is available.
For full details go to http://www.scps.nyu.edu/academics/departments/foreign-languages/initiatives/startalk-teacher-training.html
The NYU STARTALK program offers two, intensive teacher training workshops—one in Hindi and Urdu, and the other in Arabic, Dari, and Persian. Supported by a STARTALK grant from the National Foreign Language Center, these courses are part of a larger, ongoing U.S. government initiative to support increased training and education in "critical languages."
The intensive, 10-day residential workshops are designed to enhance the knowledge and the skills of current and prospective school, community, and college teachers of Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Persian, or Urdu. Participants learn the most up-to-date, standards-based teaching methodologies and are required to develop, observe, and critique classroom procedures, strategies, and teaching techniques. The programs include a cultural component in which participants learn how to use the resources available in the community environment. Classrooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment and classes are held on New York University's campus in New York City.
Review of applications begins on May 8, 2013 and will continue for as long as space is available.
For full details go to http://www.scps.nyu.edu/academics/departments/foreign-languages/initiatives/startalk-teacher-training.html
Virtual Open House: Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration
From http://actfl.informz.net/actfl/archives/archive_3128088.html
A Special Invitation to the ACTFL/UMUC Virtual Open House
Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration
April 17 (6:30-7:30 PM Eastern)
ACTFL and UMUC have received very positive feedback after beginning this program last semester and look forward to offering all four courses of the program in the Summer Session, which begins May 20, 2013.
This is your chance to learn more about our education alliance that gives ACTFL members the opportunity to earn a specialized online graduate certificate in Instructional Technology Integration designed for individuals teaching languages.
The 12-credit certificate in Instructional Technology Integration adapts four courses from the UMUC Master of Education in Instructional Technology program, tailoring the courses for language teachers. Each 3-credit course focuses on incorporating current and emerging technologies into curriculum, instruction, and assessment to maximize student learning. All courses are completely online.
Learn more about the program and the virtual open house at http://actfl.informz.net/actfl/archives/archive_3128088.html
A Special Invitation to the ACTFL/UMUC Virtual Open House
Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration
April 17 (6:30-7:30 PM Eastern)
ACTFL and UMUC have received very positive feedback after beginning this program last semester and look forward to offering all four courses of the program in the Summer Session, which begins May 20, 2013.
This is your chance to learn more about our education alliance that gives ACTFL members the opportunity to earn a specialized online graduate certificate in Instructional Technology Integration designed for individuals teaching languages.
The 12-credit certificate in Instructional Technology Integration adapts four courses from the UMUC Master of Education in Instructional Technology program, tailoring the courses for language teachers. Each 3-credit course focuses on incorporating current and emerging technologies into curriculum, instruction, and assessment to maximize student learning. All courses are completely online.
Learn more about the program and the virtual open house at http://actfl.informz.net/actfl/archives/archive_3128088.html
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