PSMLA Vision Statement
We envision that PSMLA will continue its leadership role for all Pennsylvania foreign language teachers in providing a variety of essential services. PSMLA will continue to serve as a resource center, providing the following services:
professional development through conferences, workshops, or publications;
lobbying and marketing efforts, collection, and dissemination of research data regarding foreign language teaching and learning.
PSMLA will continue to aid in securing the support of school boards, administrators, and Intermediate Units to ensure that teachers can help students to meet the Pennsylvania World Language Academic Standards. We envision that all students receiving a Pennsylvania diploma will meet the Standard by demonstrating at least intermediate-low oral proficiency in a second language.
PSMLA Mission Statement
The mission of the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association is to enhance foreign language education throughout the state by promoting the study of foreign languages, by providing educators opportunities for professional growth and networking, by recognizing excellence in the field, and by collaborating with local, state and national organizations.
The Goals of PSMLA
Professional Growth and Networking
PSMLA will provide professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and publications:
-by disseminating information and providing resources on early language learning, assessment of proficiency in the various skill areas, and implementation of the Pennsylvania Standard (formerly Chapter5 Outcome).
Collaboration
PSMLA will continue to collaborate with and provide professional technical assistance to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in an effort to ensure foreign language programs of high quality at all levels throughout the Commonwealth:
-by developing and promoting professional standards for teacher certification to be incorporated in Chapter 49,
-by supporting the work of a full-time Wolrd Language Advisor at the state level.
Leadership
PSMLA will continue to strive to be a contemporary organization providing leadership into the next century:
-by exploring innovative ways to promote membership,
-by working to establish a permanent foreign language center, which will be the statewide clearinghouse for the dissemination of information, a referral system for resources, and a site for the operations of the organization.
-by establishing a public relations network whose main function is to publicize the efforts of PSMLA.
Funding
PSMLA will solicit additional funding to support the mission of the organization.
