Ep125 Taking Proficiency Seriously, with Paul Sandrock

Embark on a linguistic journey that promises to redefine your understanding of language proficiency with the guidance of Paul Sandrock, an esteemed language educator. Dive into the heart of what it truly means to speak another language, moving beyond the memorization of vocabulary and grammar to a place where language becomes a vibrant tool for real-world interaction. Paul and I dissect the layers of proficiency, from the ability to navigate a menu to engaging in meaningful conversations, and how these skills map onto the recognized benchmarks of novice, intermediate, and advanced levels. This isn't about learning a language; it's about living it.

Teaching strategies have undergone a revolution, and I've witnessed it firsthand, evolving from a middle school teacher into a crucial contributor at ACTFL. In our conversation, we celebrate this pedagogical shift from rote learning to a dynamic, performance-based educational landscape where students showcase their language prowess in tangible ways. The ACTFL Can-Do statements are not just guidelines but beacons that lead learners toward genuine communication, embracing the inevitable mistakes as milestones to mastery. We're not just educating; we're crafting future global communicators.

The episode culminates with a profound look at how curriculum and assessments shape the path to language proficiency. Through inspiring stories, including a district's transformative approach from early education to high school, it becomes evident that when we align educational goals with proficiency objectives, learners thrive. Join us as we share how these methods not only empower students but also create a ripple effect, fostering advocates for a new standard of educational excellence. Paul Sandrock's insights bolster our belief that with the right tools and mindset, language proficiency can become a lifelong asset for every student.

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