What Can I Do?

What You Can Do Regarding the STANDARDS:

1. Write letters to PDE! (Click here for sample letter)
2. Write letters to government officials! (see contacts below)Write letters
3. to your local newspapers!
   • Thekla Fall's 10/17 letter in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (8th letter down)
   • Eleanor Chute's 09/18 article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
4. Spread the word to others (We need principals, superintendents, board members ,
5. parents, and business people to write, not just teachers!!)
6. Attend upcoming hearings!
   • Previous Testimonies to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education:
     • Lori BreenThekla
     • FallEllen Irish
     • Christian W. Hallstein
     • Frank Mulhern
     • Bonnie Youngs

What You Can Do Regarding World Language Advocacy:

CALL TO ACTION #1: Click here for more information on writing letters to

 Governor Rendell, asking that more progressive people be named to the Board.

CALL TO ACTION #2: Click here for information on how to help save FLAP Grants

ALSO:

• Become an informed educator (see articles below for a start)
• Enlist the help of any supportive colleagues, administrators, students & parents
• Increase the visibility of your program -- plan projects that encourage the
•  "Communities" Standard, display class work around your school, arrange for
•  class activities to be profiled in your school or local newspaper
• Write to your local newspaper at any available opportunity regarding the importance
• of studying languages
• Share your success with others! (E-mail us your success stories)

Call to Action!

Because Governor Rendell is contemplating the development of a state-wide "core curriculum,"

let's make sure that world language learning is NOT left out. Please take a brief moment of your

time to tell the governor emphatically that any core curriculum for Pennsylvania students MUST

include language learning. Remember, Governor Rendell's wife, Judge Marjorie Rendell, speaks

 French and has generally been supportive of language learning. But let's make sure our voices are

heard loud and clear. Encourage your non-teacher friends and family to email as well. This is not

 just an issue for educators. This is an issue of equity in education for all public school

students -- insist on a WORLD-class education for ALL! *** To read more about the governor's plan,

follow this link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05223/552147.stm*** To email the governor,

 follow this link:http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html*** A sample email follows.

 Feel free to use it, modify it, or write your own. Thank you for taking the time to help ensure

a WORLD-class education for ALL of Pennsylvania's students.

Dear Governor Rendell,I read recently that the state is considering implementing a core

curriculum for all Pennsylvania students. While examining this issue, consider the global

 nature of our society and require that all Pennsylvania students attain proficiency in

a foreign language. Ensure that all Pennsylvania students receive a truly WORLD-class

 education. Sincerely, John/Jane Doe Some City, PA