World Languages

World languages is essential for success. Oklahomans are part of an increasingly dynamic, interconnected global society. Ever-developing technological advances have transformed our world, bringing all people closer than ever, requiring increased effective communication of knowledge and ideas within and across geographical, cultural, and linguistic borders. These changes point to the need for citizens who are more informed and competent, both interculturally and communicatively. World languages is essential for the state’s and nation’s domestic and international success. Diplomatic, military, and intelligence services rely on individuals with multilingual skills to provide for national security. Proficiency in world languages and cultures supports economic success, as it maintains and advances the state’s ability to trade and compete economically as well as its ability to sustain and expand international and domestic markets. The ability to read, write, and collaborate with others in multiple languages facilitates complex and dynamic research for academic, scientific, technological, and health sectors, among others. Multilingual proficiency among public servants is necessary to ensure that everyone has access to services. It is therefore in the state’s best interest to promote and expand world language education for all.

The knowledge and skills that students acquire in world language classes include developing linguistic skills and necessary cultural insight. Having acquired linguistic and cultural proficiency, they are aware of and responsive to the world around them. Learners who add another language and culture to their preparation are college-, career-, citizen-ready, prepared to apply their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to postsecondary studies, careers, and roles as citizens in their community and beyond. They are empathetic listeners/viewers. They demonstrate insight into the nature of culture, language, and communication, having compared their own experiences to cultures of the language(s) they have studied. They examine many disciplines from diverse perspectives, having used multiple languages and cultural competencies to research and discuss other content areas. They have a critical understanding of their own identities and their role in the world, having explored their identities within a new language and culture. Having used their language and cultural skills to invest in their local communities, they are equipped to be engaged citizens. These experiences reinforce and expand their learning in other subject areas, enable them to interact effectively with others, and give them increased access to information from across the world. These abilities lead to global awareness in preparation for career and continued studies.

Professional Development

The Office of Standards and Learning is available to provide professional development to teachers in their local area, either face-to-face or through videoconference or Webinar as appropriate. Please use this link to request professional development.

Checklists

• Novice Level Range - Teacher Planning Checklist
• Novice Self-Evaluation Student Checklist
• Intermediate Self Evaluation Student Checklist
• Pre-Advanced Self-Evaluation Student Checklist
• Portfolio Checklist - Example Form
• World Languages Textbook Evaluation Guide

Language Centers

National Foreign Language Resource Centers

World Language Organizations

• American Association of Teachers of French (AATF)
• American Association of Teachers of German (AATG)
• American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
• American Classical League (ACL)
• American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR)
• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
• American Sign Language Teachers Association
• Central States Conference on Foreign Languages
• Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS)
• National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL)
• Joint National Committee for Languages and National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS)
• National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL)
• Oklahoma Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German (OKAATG)
• Oklahoma Foreign Language Teachers' Association (OFLTA)
• Southwest Conference on Language Teaching (SWCOLT)

International Partnerships with Oklahoma

Region Academique - Hauts de France/Academie d’Amiens Partnerships

Spain Partnerships

Taiwan Partnerships

For More Information, Contact:
Cathleen Skinner, Project Manager of World Languages, SDE, (405) 521-3035