RCS World Language News and Updates
August 2017
2017 NC Global Educator Digital Badge Implementation Guide
The new 2017 Global Educator Digital Badge Implementation Guide is now available. The Guide includes updated information regarding the process for teachers, principals, central office staff and district superintendents wishing to earn the state-level recognition. You can access the Guide here.
This is an outstanding opportunity to be recognized for your excellence in leadership in global learning. Please let me know if you are interested in pursuing this state-issued badge.
World Language Webinar Series for 2017-2018
The Webinar Series Information page on the World Languages wiki has details and registration links for all of the World Language webinars this year, which will be broadcast on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Those who participate in the live broadcast of a World Language webinar can earn 1 contact hour towards a CEU, which consists of 10 contact hours. An email receipt will be issued for each webinar a person attends. Note: Districts and charter schools must approve professional development offerings.
All materials from each webinar and a recording of the broadcast will be made available approximately 1 week following the webinar so that these resources can also be used for local professional development.
Feel free to click on the hyperlinked dates below to register for the webinars you would like to attend or go to the Webinar Series Information page on the World Languages wiki for additional information.
DPI World Language Quarterly Update Webinars
All K - 20 World Language administrators, teachers and instructors are welcome and every school is encouraged to have at least one World Language educator attend these webinars so that information can be shared locally.
Supporting Leading-Edge Language Instruction Webinars
- October 11
Building an Effective World Language Program - November 8
Increasing Student Motivation - January 10
Developing Speaking Skills in the Interpersonal and Presentational Modes
(Focus: Dual & Heritage and Modern Language Programs) - January 17
Developing Literacy Skills through Reading & Comprehending Target Language Texts
(Focus: Classical Language Programs)
All K - 20 World Language educators who are implementing the World Language Essential Standards as they build, expand, and/or sustain a variety of programs (Classical Languages, Dual & Heritage, and Modern Languages) are welcome to participate.
LinguaFolio Updates Webinars
- December 6 - Overview of New Can-Do Statements for Communication and Culture
- February 7 - Part 1 of Exploring the New Intercultural Communicative Competence Statements
(Novice proficiency levels) - March 7 - Part 2 of Exploring the New Intercultural Communicative Competence Statements
(Intermediate proficiency levels) - April 11 - Part 3 of Exploring the New Intercultural Communicative Competence Statements
(Advanced proficiency levels)
All K - 20 administrators, researchers, teachers and instructors who have an interest in LinguaFolio are welcome to attend.
Free Culture Kits Available from Carolina Navigators
Submit requests online for 2017-2018
The Carolina Navigators program offers over 130 culture kits from 90+ different countries or themes that illustrate life in other cultures through everyday items. Lesson ideas are available and the culture kits can be used in many subject areas and across multiple grade levels. Any K-14 public, private, or home school educator in North Carolina can reserve Carolina Navigator culture kits for use in the classroom.
Carolina Navigators is part of UNC Chapel Hill and provides the culture kits for free (including shipping costs) as global education and intercultural resources. Please see the Carolina Navigators for Educators website to learn more about bringing these resources to your students.
Top 10 Reasons to Learn Languages
Resources from ACTFL's Lead with Languages
In today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives people the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether in their neighborhood or thousands of miles away—while better preparing them to compete and succeed in the global economy. Read the article, "Top Ten Reasons to Learn Languages," in the Why Learn Languages series from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)'s Lead with Languages campaign.
The Why Learn Languages series also has articles on the benefits of language learning for various groups, including:
- Heritage Learners
- Early Childhood & Elementary Students
- Middle & High School Students
- College & University Students
See the Lead with Languages website for additional resources!