World Language Advocacy

NOTE: This page is a new addition to the site, where we will focus on the important issue of advocating for world language study. Information on this page is intended to be more general than that given on the STANDARDS page, but the topics certainly interconnect. We particularly wish to ask that YOU consider contributing to this page. Have you had success in advocating for world languages? If so, tell us about it and we will share the information here on the site. Check back frequently, as new items will be added every week!

What's New:

In a January 21, 2008 editorial "It's Greek to PA", the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review laments the loss of world language standards in Pennsylvania. Please see  http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/archive/s_548307.html to read the editorial.

What is the State Board of Education Executive Director Saying About the Role of Foreign Languages in the State's Curriculum?

02/04: U.S. Secretary of Education Calls Teacher's Union "Terrorist Organization"

March 2004 PDE Update

What PSMLA Members Are Doing:

PSMLA Advocacy Committee

(Also see the STANDARDS page for testimonies given to the PDE)

What YOU Can Do:

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)

Supporting Websites & Articles:

(These sites and articles are helpful for starting research, formulating position papers or statements to legislators, and for sharing with colleagues, administrators, parents & students.)

Websites:

Foreign Language Association of Georgia Advocacy Page

Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey Advocacy Report

Ñandutí Advocacy Page

New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers' Advocacy Links

Southern Conference on Language Teaching (SCOLT) Advocacy Page

Articles:

Why Learn Another Language?

While English was the native language of 9% of the world?s people in 1995, it will decline to 5% in 2050. A study by David Graddol states that ?English is unlikely to become the world?s dominant language but will remain one of the world?s important languages?? He continues by saying ?that English-only speakers may find it difficult to participate in a multilingual society.? In the world that students will experience ?people will probably switch between two or more languages for routine communication.? (intro statement here provided by Exec. Council Member Vince Remillard)

Monroeville Lawyer Makes the Case for Foreign Language Study

Why Study Another Language?

?TAKE CHARGE! Government, unions and companies are not responsible for your career?you are!"

Support the National Security Language Act!

Higher Education Alert: International Studies in Higher Education Act

NCSSFL 2003 Report