World Language Standards: Addressing the Needs of Less Common Programs (On Demand Session)

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Presented at: ACTFL 2021

This session presents findings from a project to provide supplementary materials for updated Massachusetts world language standards. It discusses 2 rounds of 6 focus groups with educators of less common programs and a literature review of best practices leading to the development of Quick Reference Guides to support standards implementation.

Implementation of world language standards is complex and research is needed on the specific resources required by world language educators in specialized contexts. This session presents findings from a project to provide supplementary materials for the updated Massachusetts World Language Content Standards in order to maximize their impact for all teachers. Presenters will examine results from two rounds of six focus groups with educators from specific areas (languages with diverse written representations, classical languages, ASL, heritage learners, elementary programs, and students with disabilities) and a literature review of best practices in these areas plus social and emotional learning and assessment. Presenters will discuss how findings from these activities informed the development of eight Quick Reference Guides to support teachers' use and implementation of the standards, as well as implications for world language education and standards use in less common programs.