November 2021 | Migration Policy
For newcomers, established immigrants, and citizens alike, language barriers can pose significant obstacles to integration into U.S. society as well as access to essential public services and institutions such as schools, health care, police and fire departments, and the legal system.
Recognizing that this poses a serious civil-rights issue, the federal government and many states and localities have introduced language access laws and policies to ensure Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals have effective access to critical resources.
This report analyzes key elements of language access laws and policies across 40 states and localities. Although these laws and policies often take cues from federal guidance on language access, they also contain many unique and innovative elements necessary to ensure language access in the day-to-day functions of state and local governments.
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November 5th, 2021 | Slator
A US House Committee passed a bill on October 26, 2021 that would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to translate signs, websites, and other communication materials at major American airports.
Congresswoman Dina Titus (D–NV) first introduced the TSA Reaching Across Nationalities, Societies, and Languages to Advance Traveler Education (TRANSLATE) Act in the 116th Congress, in July 2019.
“Much of what TSA communicates to travelers and transportation workers is through signs, announcements, and videos that are all in English,” Titus said in a September 2019 floor speech. “Let’s be clear: You shouldn’t have to worry about missing a plane at an airport in the United States just because you don’t speak English.”
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October 7th, 2021 | New America
This June marked the 30th anniversary of Castañeda vs. Pickard—a seminal case that specified three criteria for assessing the adequacy of language development programs for English learners (ELs).
One of the criteria specifies that programs must be “implemented effectively with sufficient resources and personnel,” which includes teachers with the specialized knowledge and skills to support ELs' language development and academic growth.
Yet, year after year, many states report shortages of EL teachers, which have a direct impact on the educational experiences and services that our nation’s five million English learner (EL) students receive.
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Each year, JNCL-NCLIS delegates and dedicated language advocates across the county unite to meet with Members of Congress and promote the importance of language education and international studies.
Make your plans to attend today! Preview the preliminary schedule and register before November 30th, 2021 to save 20%!
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POLICY CLIPS
EDUCATION CLIPS
INDUSTRY CLIPS
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November 10th, 2021 | Vernacular Reality
In this episode of Vernacular Reality, we talk with DLS Language Training team member, Lia, about language immersions in virtual reality. As a Chinese instructor herself, Lia shares insights from the development of DLS Chinese immersions to the student trials. Enjoy!
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Date: March 2-5, 2022
The 8th International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education will be held March 2-5, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Inclusive of all languages, program models, and educational levels, the 2022 conference brings together researchers and practitioners from the U.S. and around the world to share knowledge, expertise and best practices in dual language and immersion education.
The 2022 conference theme, “Embracing Languages and Cultures for A Better World,” represents its mission and key tenets: diversity of languages, collaboration and inclusivity, and equity.
Join us for the upcoming 8th International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education being held in Salt Lake City on March 2-5, 2022 (see attached flyer)! This will be the perfect occasion to reconnect in-person with our language community!
Do not miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of the early bird registration by Nov. 15!
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Date: November 10-13, 2021
Unclear, overly complex, or specialized language use can impede communication in a variety of societal contexts, and it can be intimidating and unwelcoming. Within the public school system specifically, difficult language can prevent parents and caregivers from understanding services they are entitled to and regulations affecting them or their children.
Communication should be clear and accessible, intelligible, relevant, and usable without requiring specialized knowledge or training.
***In this sense, plain language is a civil right.***
So, what does plain language look like as a practice? How do you incorporate this practice into an existing system? On November 2, join Dr. Katherine Moran and Anthony Tassi as they discuss plain language and its implementation during our live, 30-minute webinar hosted by the Center for Applied Linguistics.
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Date: Varies
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) provides more than 1,000 merit-based fully funded opportunities for U.S. high school students to study abroad for a summer or an academic year in more than 25 countries. These high school exchange programs prepare young Americans to succeed in the 21st century’s global economy by developing their foreign language skills, increasing their cross-cultural understanding, strengthening their confidence and leadership capacity, and fostering new academic insights and ambitions.
The application periods are currently open for the following programs:
Application Deadline: December 1, 2021
Length: Academic Year
Application Deadline: December 8, 2021
Length: Academic Year
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PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES |
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Date: December 4th, 2021
In this interactive workshop, Diane (Dee) Tedick and Cory Mathieu introduce their new dual language and immersion (DLI) specific Teacher Assessment Rubrics! The preservice, inservice, and self-assessment rubrics describe the pedagogical skills and knowledge that are unique to DLI contexts and necessary for promoting high levels of student academic achievement and language development.
They are designed to support DLI teacher preparation and professional development. The rubrics are research-based, context-dependent, formative, developmental, and educative – ideally, teachers will learn new skills and practices by interacting with the rubrics. The workshop will include an introduction to the content of the rubrics and an associated workbook, an explanation of the development process, and substantial time for Q&A and discussion with colleagues about how the rubrics might be integrated into teacher education and K-12 DLI programs.
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FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES |
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JNCL-NCLIS Significant Contributors
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JNCL-NCLIS is grateful for the support from our partners. |
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“Ensuring that Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language.”
Joint National Committee for Languages
National Council for Languages and International Studies
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THURSDAY, November 11th, 2021 ISSUE
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Disclaimer: The articles and news sources included in NewsBrief are not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by JNCL-NCLIS. The views and opinions expressed in the articles in this NewsBrief are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.
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