Mathilda Reckford
Research Assistant
Mathilda Reckford is a Research Assistant in the Language Assessment Division since September 2019. She had previously started working as a Research Intern at the Center for Applied Linguistics in March 2019. During this time, she has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects related to World Languages, English Learners and Language Assessment.
Most recently, Mathilda contributes to test development activities for the ACCESS for ELLs English proficiency assessment in collaboration with WIDA. While at CAL Mathilda has also been involved with work with the state of Massachusetts and contributed to research efforts to inform the Massachusetts World Language Standards revision.
Prior to coming at CAL, Mathilda was a linguistics counselor supervising France-German youth encounters. Mathilda is a native French speaker who is also proficient in German and has experience teaching and organizing speaking activities in both languages as well as English.
Mathilda did her Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature and Film Studies at King’s College London, where she also started learning Russian.
Projects
Massachusetts World Language Standards Focus Group and Implementation Services
Research the needs of less common programs and develop supplementary resources to ensure that the revised 2021 Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework is actionable and inclusive for all educators.
Massachusetts ESL Programming Services Study
CAL conducted research on ESL practices in Massachusetts and other states (Nov. 2019 - May 2020) as part of a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Massachusetts ELPAC (English Learner Parent Advisory Council) Project
The Center for Applied Linguistics created online courses for parents and educators to aid in creating and sustaining effective ELPACs (English Learner Parent Advisory Councils) for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Presentations
Best Practices for Working with Heritage Language Learners in the K-12 Language Classroom.
World Language Standards: Addressing the Needs of Less Common Programs (On Demand Session)
English learner education: state frameworks, services, and resources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2020 Annual Convention (Virtual)
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet. This global event brings together more than 7,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments.
Current World Language Standards: Analysis and Implications for Revisions
This session presents a 2019 analysis of state world language standards, examining how states have revised their standards and the extent to which they have adopted the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards (2015). The study is supplemented with findings from a survey of educators on potential revisions to Massachusetts' 1999 curriculum framework. View full proposal.
