Advocacy ::
February 11, 2008
"Discover Languages" Resolution Passes
The Kentucky House of Representative has adopted House Resolution No. 42 on February 6, 2008. The Resolution proclaims February as "Discover Languages Month" in Kentucky. To print a copy of the resolution: click here To find ideas to celebrate "Discover Languages Month" in your school: click here
February 05, 2008
Frankfort Makes the Grade in Languages … Barely
Capitol scores a solid C- in “Pop Quiz” to Generate Awareness of National “Discover Languages” Campaign 301 Kentucky Capitol lunch-goers including many State Legislators were asked "What time is it?" in Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish today. The results indicate the Kentucky’s legislators and visitors to the State Capitol need more language skills to support the state’s position on the world stage. The surprise "Pop Quiz" was conducted by more than 100 world language students from Fayette, Franklin and Jessamine County schools. The results were:
"As Kentucky prepares to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games and tries to become a player in the global market place," said Kentucky World Language Association President Thomas Sauer, "there’s never been a more important time for all Kentuckians to bring the critical importance of language learning to the top of the agenda in Kentucky." Media Coverage: - WTVQ 36 - Frankfort State Journal129 passers-by did not respond at all to the question.
126 responded, politely, in English. Sometimes with comprehension.
46 people responded accurately in the correct language.
January 30, 2008
02/05/08: Languages & Legislators
On February 5th, 2008, teachers, administrators and students from around the state will be gathering in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfurt, Kentucky. Students will be able to showcase their growing language skills through dance and song, as well as interact with their own State Representatives. KWLA's newest project "Languages & Legislators" will give your students insight into the legislative process and provide the chance to experience the workings of the Capital. This event is also an opportunity for world language educators and their administrators to present the current challenges, research and concerns facing today’s language programs and their development. The KWLA Executive Board would like to extend the invitation to any Kentucky world language educator to be involved in this exciting event. Download Letter of Invitation | Download Preliminary Agenda
January 05, 2007
International Education Legislation
The new short legislative session has begun in Frankfort. So far, two world language-related bills have been filed:
As individual citizens, if you wish to comment on the legislation, go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/whoswho.htm to find your legislator's contact information, then send him/her an email.- One bill (BR34) sponsored by Representative Stan Lee seeks to amend KRS 2.013 (declaring English as the official language of the Commonwealth) to mandate that all documents produced or utilized by the Commonwealth be in the English language only. - Another bill (BR262) sponsored by Representative Reginald Meeks is a joint resolution that proposes directing the Education Cabinet, its agencies, and the schools associated with the agencies to recognize and celebrate International Education Week (2nd week in November).
October 30, 2005
High School World Language Requirement Proposed
At its October meeting, the Kentucky State Board of Education received a proposal to change High School Graduation Requirements beginning with the class of 2010. Part of the proposal is the inclusion of a world language requirement that would make Kentucky a leader in world language education in the country. The proposal would require students to "demonstrate proficiency in understanding and communicating in a second language." The Courier-Journal reports on the raised gradution requirements in its October 30th edition:
Read entire articleState officials say they are aware of the lack of foreign-language teachers and are working to deal with it. In 2000, the state went online with KET, in part to increase access to foreign-language classes.
Kentucky also has agreements with Spain, France and Germany to allow teachers from those countries to come to teach in the state. Right now, 26 are working in Kentucky.
And Phillip Rogers, executive director of the Education Professional Standards Board that certifies teachers in Kentucky, said the board is seeing more college students at the state's colleges and universities interested in becoming foreign-language teachers. "There is a shortage, but the pipeline seems to be improving," he said.
June 17, 2005
It's time to get our language priorities in order
Interesting article summarizing some of our current world language issues published in Georgia:
Virtually every school system in the country [...], wrestles with the issues of foreign language education. They are complex and can be grouped into three categories: cost, delivery and significance. Unfortunately, when considered in that order, the first two are so formidable that the third gets short shrift. The cart gets put before the horse! Let's reverse the analysis, starting with significance and working backwards.
May 24, 2005
Ven Conmigo Textbooks Available
I have about 150 Ven Conmigo textbooks that I need to get rid of, Levels I and II. I also have the videos, CDs, and other supplementary materials as well as an almost equal number of student workbooks. If there is a school that needs them, please contact me as soon as possible so that we don’t throw them away unnecessarily. Please contact me at dedwards@russell.k12.ky.us Mrs. Devin Edwards
May 09, 2005
Calling All Parents!
Stay informed - Get involved - Move ahead ... Please join us for an organizational meeting of the "Kentucky Parents for World Languages Advocacy Group". WHY? Meet like-minded parents from across the Commonwealth to see how parents can get involved in world language teaching and learning in Kentucky. WHEN? Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 10:30 AM WHERE? 18th floor of the Patterson Office Tower (University of Kentucky) If you cannot attend, but would like to be included in future events and/or mailings, please contact us at advocacy@kwla-online.org.
August 16, 2004
Foreign-language classes needed
KWLA Member and Lexington German teacher, John Krueger, writes inspiring article for Lexington-Herald Leader. Read entire article »
October 30, 2003
House Passes International Studies in Higher Education Act
On October 21, the House of Representatives under suspension of the rules and by voice vote passed HR 3077, the International Studies in Higher Education Act of 2003. This House bill is intended to revise Title VI of the Higher Education Act. Highlights (in PDF-Format) learn more