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One More Step

One More Step. a dvocating for LOTE Marie Campanaro , NBCT WLOE Chair, Public Advocacy, NYSAFLT. What’s happening? . The NYS Regents eliminated all Second Language Proficiency examinations in order to save money. They also eliminated all Regents examinations to save money.

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One More Step

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  1. One More Step advocating for LOTE Marie Campanaro, NBCT WLOE Chair, Public Advocacy, NYSAFLT

  2. What’s happening? • The NYS Regents eliminated all Second Language Proficiency examinations in order to save money. • They also eliminated all Regents examinations to save money. • School districts have begun slashing language programs across NYS in order to save money. • A number of universities have begun to phase out language programs to save money.

  3. Former NYS Commissioner of Education Steiner’s “Regents Forums to Discuss Graduation Requirements” did not include LOTE. • The “Race to the Top” Initiative does not include the discussion of foreign language education.

  4. Federal cuts to education monies, coupled with the general anti-teacher sentiment of a fiscally pressed public, threatens further elimination of our programs. • For the last two years the existence of FLAP programs, as well as other government sponsored language programs, has been endangered by budget cuts.

  5. Yet, the Critical Need for Foreign Languages is not a secret to our legislators • Foreign language competence is needed for national security • Foreign language competence is critical for our economic security • Foreign language competence is critical to make our students “college and career ready.”

  6. The following Govt. agencies have declared a national need for personnel with expertise in foreign languages and cultures. (August 2010) U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of State U.S. Department of Interior U.S. Department of Treasury U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation

  7. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) for the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia: Closing the Language Gap: Improving the Federal Government’s Foreign Language Capabilities (July 2010) $2 billion is lost each year due to our nation’s inadequate cross cultural skills

  8. H.R. Bill 1994, Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning • Introduced by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) and cosponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY). • This $400 million bill includes a $200 million section supporting partnerships for improving the teaching and learning of foreign languages at the K-12 level through sequenced, articulated language programs.

  9. H.R. Bill 1966, Foreign Language Education Partnership Act • Introduced by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) • To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a partnership program in foreign languages.

  10. SO – why the cuts? The majority of Americans do not understand the benefits or the need for foreign language proficiency. (So the cuts aren’t contested…) That’s where we come in…

  11. SYNERGY = STRENGTH “We can no longer stand by and wait for someone else to advocate for us. We must step forward and do our part.” Nancy Ketz, President, NYSAFLT

  12. That’s where we come in… Each of us needs to take just ONE MORE STEP

  13. Baby Steps - on your own Call your state and U.S. legislators’ offices. You will be speaking with an aide or secretary. • Give your name and address • For US: Ask for support of HR 1994, HR 1966 and FLAP Grants; ask to oppose cuts that eliminate LOTE programs • For NYS: Ask for the reinstatement of Regents and Proficiency examinations; ask for direct support of foreign language educational programs • Say “thank you” and good-bye”! (visit www.nysaflt.org for more info.)

  14. More Baby Steps Write a letter … • To your U.S. Congressman • To your U.S. Senator • To your NYS Congressman • To your NYS Senator • To Commissioner John B. King • To your Board of Regent (Nov. 14 & 15!!) (visit www.nysaflt.org for contact info.)

  15. FACE TO FACE – visit your legislators RoseannLorefice and Alice Manning with Senator David Valesky and with… Senator DeFrancisco Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee NOW is the time to visit the offices of your legislators. Go to NYSAFLT.ORG’s Public Advocacy site for a “shovel ready” kit to guide you through your visits.

  16. Join NYSAFLTHuh? A Few of Your benefits • Invitations and special registration fees for conferences and workshops • Eligibility to apply for teacher and student scholarships • Access to teacher placement services • Subscription to Language Association Journal and NYSAFLT news “Our” benefits • Power in numbers • Give a gift of NYSAFLT

  17. Sneak in a link Marie J. Campanaro, NBCT WLOE Spanish IA and IB 349-5050, ext. 6176 The Parents as Language Partners webpage, sponsored by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT.) is designed for all parents who have a child studying a foreign language. NYSAFLT believes that your role is essential in the success of your child’s learning of a foreign language.  You will find important information about what you can do to help your child and things you should know about the study of a foreign language. http://www.nysaflt.org/parents/ Our mission is to educate and inspire each student to love learning, pursue excellence and use knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute respectfully and confidently to an ever-changing global community.

  18. Baby steps - in your classroom TEACH your students what LOTE proficiency can do for… • Meeting HS graduation requirements • Improving college acceptance chances • Brain development • Higher standardized test scores • Job marketability • Increased pay opportunities • Travel opportunities

  19. Have your students explore… • LOTE as it pertains to their career choice • The languages and cultures of your neighborhood • What research says about language proficiency • What languages their family members and neighbors have learned or speak

  20. One More Step • Invite guests to your classroom to share information about their language and culture • Invite guests to your classroom who can address the need for foreign language proficiency

  21. Get the kids talking! • Have students report on the messages learned. • Publish student reports in a school or community newsletter.

  22. One step more • Have students write what they’ve learned about LOTE and their future from classroom visitors and lessons. • Share quotes from those writings with administrators, Regents, legislators…who else?

  23. Have you led a student trip? • Have your students write about their experiences. Have them share the impact the trip had on their lives, future goals, and so on. • Share their responses…as a thank you to your Board of Education for allowing the trip…

  24. Having a special LOTE event? • Involve your parents as much as possible • Invite your district administrators • Recruit the aid of non-LOTE colleagues • Invite local legislators – they will welcome the attention and publicize the event • Invite local business personnel • Write about it – have students and participants write about it

  25. Getting the word out LOTE is not enough! Dare to ask others: Would you be willing to contact…? • Get students to write/call • Get their parents to write • Infiltrate the business community • Invite legislators/business people into the class –get quotes • Get colleagues to write

  26. Make your move!

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