Why Proficiency?
Amy LenordSpanish Teacher – Instructional Consultant
Shepton High School - Plano ISD
Learning TargetsI can…O Identify and explain the main motivators
for students taking language classes.O Explain the difference between a
traditional language program and a proficiency based language program.
O Discuss the benefits of a proficiency based program.
O Identify the necessary components of a proficiency based program.
A Little ReflectionMy Language StoryO Fold a sheet of paper into 6 squares. Fill those
squares in with the following items:
SQUARE 1Draw a picture that
represents what your 2nd language
learning looked like.
SQUARE 2Write one sentence
about how you developed the
fluency you have now in the 2nd
language.
SQUARE 3Write 5 key words that explain why
you chose to pursue learning a 2nd
language beyond the normal
requirement.
SQUARE 4Draw a symbol that represents how you
feel about your fluency in the 2nd
language now.
SQUARE 5Write 3-6 bullets that explain what
you were able to do in the language
after finishing your required classes.
SQUARE 6Draw a picture that represents what you hope your students
get out of your class.
Now, share your language story with
the whole group.
What is the MAIN reason why the
majority of students study a
language?
An Important Question:
An Important Question:
What is the MAIN reason why the
majority of students study a
language?A majority of
students indicated that wanting to be
able to speak a second language
was the main reason for studying
it.
Attrition in Foreign Language Courses: Possible Causes and
Solutions(Unpublished doctoral
dissertation) Maria Nuzzo, 2006
What percentage of
students
DO NOT continue language
study once the perceived requirements
are met?
One More Important Question:
What percentage of students
DO NOT continue language study once
the perceived requirements are
met?
One More Important Question:
75%
So, why do they leave?O I’m graduating.O I hate it.O I want more fun classes.O I’m tired of studying this
language.O Don’t have the patience for
it.O LazyO I would probably fail it.O Two foreign language
credits is all that is required for a diploma of distinction.
O I already know the language--we speak it at home.
O Don’t want toO It is getting very hard for me,
and I need other subjects to graduate with honors.
O Too hardO Don’t like it, and I’m not good
at it.O Tired of the languageO The class is interesting, but I
didn’t enjoy it very much. There are more useful and enjoyable classes I can take later.
“ I am so tired of
all these d*** verbs!”
And when asked why he would not be continuing his language studies beyond the
second year one student said:
Survey conducted by the Arlington ISD World Language Department, Spring 2012
Motivation is THE most
influential factor in
learning a new
language.R.C. Gardner in Shrum and Glisan
Teacher’s Handbook, 2010
So, why proficiency?
The Elephants in the Room
Exploring the PossibilitiesExamining Student Samples
Changing Our Thinking:
The ACTFL Proficiency GuidelinesHow do they apply to our students?
How do they apply to us?How do they evaluate our
practices?
ACTFL Proficiency Level Samples
Changing How We Act:Traditional Language Instruction
Proficiency Based Instruction
Language Concepts Learning Targets
Textbook Chapters Thematic Units
Objective Tests Performance Assessments
Grammar & Vocabulary Development
Intentional Proficiency Development
Teaching in EnglishTeaching in the Target
Language
Culture Days or Projects Embedded Culture
Realities & Reassurances
What has to change to move our program towards
proficiency building?
How does that affect
me as a teacher?
Access to All Workshop Resources:
www.amylenord.net/why-proficiency.html
Works Cited:O American Council for the Teaching of Foreign
Languages. 2012 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.O American Council for the Teaching of Foreign
Languages. 2013 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements.
O Arlington ISD World Languages. 2012 Student Survey Data.
O Duncan, Greg. 2012 Lesson Planning for 21st CenturyLearners: Some Things We Need to Know
(presentation).O Nuzzo, Maria. 2006 Attrition in the Foreign Language
Classroom: Possible Causes and Solutions (unpublished dissertation).