World Language teachers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 3rd Annual World Languages Summer Institute, a highly successful part of the World Languages in Maine Schools: A Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment Initiative.
The summer institute is a central piece of the larger initiative, which aims to create an environment in Maine schools where standards-based curriculum, instruction and assessment are integral parts of the work that all world language teachers do to improve student achievement and proficiency in one or more languages other than English.
The institute is a vibrant, ongoing collaborative effort between the Maine Department of Education, the Foreign Language Association of Maine (FLAME), and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), and strives to directly and substantively prepare teachers with the knowledge, expertise and skills required for standards-based instruction and assessment and the proficiency-based diploma, raising the bar for excellent teaching and positive student growth.
As in years prior, the institute will take place on the campus of the University of Maine-Farmington, and will run Tuesday, June 24 through Friday, June 27, bringing together world language teachers from all corners of Maine for three full days of workshops and professional development. Those interested can register as either regular participants or apply to become regional Teacher Leaders. Registration forms and full information can be found on the Foreign Language Association of Maine website. Space is limited and interest is running high, so those wishing to participate are encouraged to register early.
This year’s institute will be facilitated by nationally recognized teacher-scholar Laura Terrill of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, co-author of The Keys to Planning and Learning (2013). Laura will work with both new and returning participants to expand understanding of proficiency levels, integrated performance assessments, communication modes, rubric design, and much more.
For more information about the summer institute, please contact Maine DOE World Languages Specialist Dr. Jay Ketner at jay.ketner@maine.gov.