Presented During:
Friday, November 20, 2026: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM CST
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Room:
Room 217A
Proposal No:
3368
Type:
Session
Applicable Language:
Non-language specific
Language of Presentation:
English
Lead Presenter:
Leslie Baldwin
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Submitter:
Leslie Baldwin
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Content and Purpose:
As a district supervisor for World Languages, I work with new language teachers a great deal. Unlike when I started in this role 21 years ago, 95% of new teachers hired now have not attended a teacher education or preparation program, they have not had any courses in language methods, and have no knowledge of standards, proficiency, nor modes of communication. It is crucial to teach them basic information regarding proficiency levels, modes of communication, national standards, and how these impact planning and instruction. This session is directed to the alternative licensure teachers who have little to no experience with these concepts. To become effective language teachers, this content is necessary. While this is not innovative for experienced and informed language educators, it is innovative for those who do not have this background and need it to understand the core practices of the profession.
Outcomes:
Participants will be able to name and explain the three modes of communication, providing examples of tasks for each mode.
Participants will be able to describe the ACTFL Proficiency Levels in basic terms.
Participants will be able to apply knowledge of the proficiency levels and modes of communication to design lessons/tasks appropriate for their students.
Audience Engagement:
Participants will be involved in pair/small group discussion throughout the presentation, including discussion of the inverted pyramid, the difference between performance and proficiency, and why interpersonal speaking samples exemplify various proficiency levels. They will be asked to categorize tasks by mode of communication and will reflect on their planning and incorporation of the modes. They will be able to complete a graphic organizer to apply session content to upcoming lesson plans.
Program Guide Description:
Modes of communication? Proficiency levels? Performance targets? What do all of these things mean? Participants will learn the answer to this question and gain a basic understanding of how these concepts affect planning, instruction, and assessment. Participants will be able to apply these concepts to their language teaching context immediately.
Audience Level:
All Audiences
Keywords:
Curriculum and Instruction