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World Languages

World Languages

Professional Learning

We encourage World Language educators to take advantage of the variety of professional learning opportunities listed below.  The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages provides monthly online workshops to assist educators in making the transition to the revised NYS Learning Standards for World Languages.  These workshops are offered free of charge to any teacher of a world language working in a NYS school, including district, charter, and non-public schools, as well as BOCES and RBERN employees.  These workshops qualify for CTLE credit for world languages. 

Upcoming OBEWL Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences for World Language Educators

2024 Professional Learning Series

 

Summer 2024 Workshops

Checkpoint A Benchmark Proficiency Assessment Guidance and Item Writing Workshops (Summer 2024) - various dates

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Most OBEWL webinars for world languages are recorded for on-demand viewing.  Click the link below to check out the recordings available.  All recordings are accompanied by multiple post-assessments that world language educators can take to earn CTLE credit based on a score of at least seven correct answers to 10 questions.

Recordings of previously offered OBEWL webinars

2024 Professional Learning Series

Principles and Guidelines for Adopting or Creating Locally Developed Benchmark Assessments for Checkpoint A (Modern Languages) by Dr. Joanne O’Toole, Bill Heller, and Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (January 23, 2024)

Standards in Action: Interpersonal Communication Strategies by Bill Heller, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Dr. Joanne O’Toole (February 27, 2024)

Principles and Guidelines for Adopting or Creating Locally Developed Benchmark Assessments for Checkpoint A (Classical Languages) by Dr. Joanne O’Toole, David Pellegrino, and Bill Heller (March 5, 2024, 4:00-5:00 pm via Zoom)

Standards in Action: Presentational Communication Strategies by Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, Dr. Joanne O’Toole, and Bill Heller (March 12, 2024, 4:00-5:00 pm via Zoom)

 

2023 Professional Learning Series

Centering Voices: Representation within and through World Language Classrooms by Ingrid Paredes and Diana Clark Perez (January 24, 2023)

Real Connections:  Leveraging Literacy Strategies for the World Language Classrooms by Elizabeth Slocum (February 28, 2023)

Connecting Technology to the Modes by Françoise Piron (March 14, 2023)

World Languages in the Elementary Schools and the Revised Standards by Marissa Coulehan (April 18, 2023)

Orientation Webinars for Administrators on the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages (Parts 1 & 2) by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Bill Heller and Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (April 18, 19, 25, and May 3, 2023)

Getting to Know Your Heritage Language Learners:  Basic Sociolinguistic Concepts by Dr. Carolina Bustamante (April 24, 2023)

Getting Ready for Implementation of the World Language Standards: Administrators’ Perspectives by William Anderson and Shawnna Sweet (May 9, 2023)

Starting a NYS Seal of Biliteracy Program at Your School by Candace Black (May 10, 2023)

Expanding Your NYS Seal of Biliteracy Program by Candace Black (May 24, 2023)

Getting Ready for Implementation of the World Language Standards for Teachers by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Bill Heller, and Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (May 30, 2023)

Discover Authentic Resource Gems in the World Language Wakelet - Thursday, June 15, 2023, 4:00-5:00 p.m. (Zoom)

Standards in Action:  Interpretive Communication Strategies by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Bill Heller, and Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (September 12, 2023, 4:00-5:00 pm via Zoom)

One Department's Journey Into the Standards by Zoey Baird and Joshua Wigle-Harris (October 24, 2023, 4:00-5:00 pm via Zoom)

Strategies for Target Language Use at Checkpoint A by Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (December 5, 2023, 4:00-5:00 pm via Zoom)

 

2022 Professional Learning Series

Understanding Vocabulary Development in Standards-Based Teaching by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Bill Heller (January 13, 2022)

Understanding the Role of Grammar in Proficiency Development Parts 1 and 2, by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Bill Heller  (February 24th & March 3rd, 2022)

Understanding Standards-Based Lesson Planning, by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Bill Heller  (March 31st, 2022)

Preparing for Standards-Based Curriculum Planning, by Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, Dr. Joanne O'Toole, and Bill Heller  (May 19th, 2022)

Assessment Part 1: Creating Standards-aligned Rubrics for Performance Assessment Tasks, by Bill Heller, Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez  (September 27th, 2022)

Assessment Part 2:  Creating Formative and Summative Performance Assessment Tasks, by Dr. Joanne O'Toole, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Bill Heller  (October 11th, 2022)

Lesson Planning Part 1 – From Unit Plan to Lesson Plans: Putting the Pieces Together (November 1, 2022)

Lesson Planning Part 2 – Lesson Planning Options for Thematic Units (December 13, 2022)

 

2021 Professional Learning Series

Embedding Authentic Resources into Lesson Plans by Leslie Grahn (January 20, 2021)

From Skills to Modes - Standard 1: Interpretive Communication by Dr. Joanne O'Toole (March 10, 2021)

From Skills to Modes - Standard 2:  Interpersonal Communication by Bill Heller (March 24, 2021)

From Skills to Modes - Standard 3:  Presentational Communication by Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez (April 7, 2021)

From Skills to Modes - Part 4 -  Planning for Learning:  Integrating the Modes of Communication by Laura Terrill (May 19, 2021)

From Facts to Functions - The Cultures Standards by Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez and Dr. Joanne O'Toole (June 9, 2021)

Understanding Checkpoint Proficiency Targets by Bill Heller & Dr. Joanne O'Toole (July 21, 2021)

Understanding Performance Indicators and Can-Do Statements by Bill Heller & Dr. Joanne O'Toole (August 11, 2021)

Understanding NYS World Language Themes & Topics by Bill Heller, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Dr. Joanne O'Toole (September 28, 2021)

Understanding Unit Planning with the Revised NYS World Language Standards - Part 1 by Bill Heller, Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez, and Dr. Joanne O'Toole (October 26, 2021)

Understanding Unit Planning with the Revised NYS World Language Standards Part 2 - Checkpoint A with Rebecca Blouwolff  (November 9, 2021)

Understanding Unit Planning with the Revised NYS World Language Standards Part 3 - Checkpoint B with Lisa Shepard (November 30, 2021)

Understanding Unit Planning with the Revised NYS World Language Standards Part 4 - Checkpoint C with Regina O'Neal (December 7, 2021) 

 

2020 Professional Learning

Curating Authentic Resources for the World Language Classroom by Leslie Grahn (November, 3, 2020)

2023-24 Facilitator Book Study on The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction

**Registration has now closed as the book study has reached its capacity.  All applicants will be notified of their status by the close of business on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.  A waiting list has been established.**

The 2023-24 Facilitator Book Study for The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction:  Engagement, Relevance, Critical Thinking, Collaboration is sponsored by the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) of the New York State Education Department (NYSED).  NYS world language educators from district, charter, religious, and independent schools, as well as administrators who supervise world language departments, are encouraged to participate.  Click here to download the flyer for this facilitator book study.

NYSED is will work with three (3) to five (5) NYS world language educators or administrators from each of the seven regions of New York in the 2023-24 Facilitator Book Study for The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction.  This book study will meet nine times via Zoom from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on the following dates:  September 19th, October 17th, November 28th, December 12th, January 16th, February 13th, March 19th, April 16th, May 14th.  Through this virtual book study, participants will do a deep dive into the why and how of instructional strategies for the world language classroom in alignment with the revised New York State World Languages Standards adopted in 2021. Gain thought processes for selecting and implementing instructional strategies that have communicative purpose and lead to growth in language proficiency. Time will be provided for small group processing and application of new ideas to classroom contexts. During the last session, participants will hone their facilitation skills for conducting the book study for colleagues in the future.

Participants may earn up to 27 hours of CTLE credit (1.5 hours for each of 9 meetings and 13.5 hours for reading the book and preparing for meetings).  Participants must attend at least eight (8) of the nine (9) meetings in order to receive credit, a certificate of attendance, and a digital badge for their participation. The book will be distributed to all participants, free of charge, in early September.  Participants in this book study will be encouraged to consider facilitating a book study on this same book in the 2024-25 school year with a partner from the 2023-24 facilitator book study, using the materials developed by NYSED.  Significant training and guidance will be provided for those interested.  There is no cost to participate in this book study.

Please contact Candace Black via phone (518.473.7505) or email (candace.black@nysed.gov) with any questions regarding this book study.  

Co-Facilitators

Leslie Grahn has twenty-seven years of language teaching experience at the middle and high school levels and twelve years of experience at the central office level, most recently as Coordinator of World Languages for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland. Leslie has been a course instructor on foreign language teaching methods and differentiated instruction, has led both curriculum and assessment development teams, and is a frequent presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, specializing in best practices. She curates and creates resources to support language teaching and learning and shares them through her website (www.grahnforlang.com) and on Pinterest (grahnforlang). She has experience in teacher and leadership development and leads training on instructional coaching, mentoring, leadership, and communication skills. Leslie is the co-author of The Keys to Strategies for Language Instruction and has served on the boards of NECTFL, NADSFL and ACTFL.

Bill Heller has taught in public elementary, secondary, community college and undergraduate classrooms for 40 years, including 24 years teaching Spanish at Perry High School. He has been a methods and Spanish instructor at SUNY Geneseo since 2001.  He is a frequent presenter of workshops, webinars and keynotes. Bill served as Conference Chair for the 2018 Northeast Conference (NECTFL) and is currently a member of the Executive Board and Content Advisory Panel for World Languages at the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

2023-24 Regional Book Studies on Enacting the Work of Language Instruction: High-Leverage Teaching Practices, Vol. 1

The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is proud to sponsor a series of Regional Book Studies in 2023-24 using Enacting the Work of Language Instruction:  High Leverage Teaching Practices, Vol. 1.  Virtual book studies are organized in six regions of New York, facilitated by teams of individuals who worked with NYSED during the 2022-23 school year to prepare.  Because these are virtual, participants may choose to participate in the book study in their region, or in any of the other regions.  The dates for the book study in each region are listed below.  Each book study will meet virtually via Zoom once a month from September to May from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (except for the Capital group, which will meet from 4:15-5:45 p.m., and the Long Island group, which will meet from 5:00-6:30 p.m.)   Click here to download the flyer for these book studies.

All regions have now reached their capacity.  We are not accepting any more registrations for these book studies.

** Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Capital-East Region:  Mondays 4:15-5:45 p.m. - Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Dec. 18, Jan. 22, Feb. 12, Mar. 18, Apr 15, May 20.  Facilitators:  Anna Collie, Shannon Lundgren, and Colleen Mager

** Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Hudson Valley Region:  Thursdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 16, Dec. 21, Jan. 25, Feb. 29, Mar. 21, May 2, May 30.  Facilitators:  Elcie Douce, Deirdre Kelly, and Kaleigh Thomas

** Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Long Island Region:  Thursdays 5:00-6:30 p.m. – Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 9.  Facilitators:  Andrea Hernandez Gallegos, Jennifer Karpoich, Leonardo Rivera, and Stephanie Smith

** Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Mid-State Region:  Tuesdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. - Sept. 19, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9th, Feb. 13, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14.  Facilitators:  Sheri Freestone-Swart and Heather Kent

** Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Mid-West Region:  Thursdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 21, Apr. 18, May 16.  Facilitators:  Tiffany Colon, Erin Johnson, and Sabrina Nudo

* Closed - Region has reached capacity.**  Western Region:  Thursdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9.  Facilitators:  Meredith Anthony, Anna Cartwright, and Monika Zanni

Participants may earn up to 27 hours of CTLE credit (1.5 hours for each of 9 meetings and 13.5 hours for reading the book), provided they attend at least 8 of the 9 meetings.  The book, Enacting the Work of Language Instruction:  High Leverage Teaching Practices, Vol. 1, will be mailed to participants, free of charge, in late September.  There is no cost to participate in this book study.

Please contact Candace Black via phone (585.356.0951) or email (candace.black@nysed.gov) with any questions regarding this book study.

Professional learning is also provided by a number of partner organizations, including the two statewide world language organizations - NYSAFLT (the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers) and NYSAWLA (the New York State Association of World Language Administrators), as well as regional organizations within our state.  Click the link below to explore these learning opportunities.

World Language Leadership Council

The World Language Leadership Council was created to provide a regular forum for world language educators and administrators to discuss and share their questions, concerns, and suggestions with NYSED.  The Council will also serve as an additional means of communicating information and initiatives regarding world language programs to the field, complementing our professional learning offerings, website, and newsletter.  Membership is open to teachers of world languages, department chairpersons, administrators, and school counselors.  The Council will meet virtually (via Zoom) for one hour on one Wednesday of the month from September to June.  Attendance at meetings is completely voluntary and CTLE credit will be awarded on a semester basis for those meetings attended.  Interested educators should complete this brief Google form with their name and contact information.  Previous members of the World Language Leadership Council do not need to re-register.  Links to join the meetings will be sent out on a rolling basis.  All meetings for 2023-24 will be on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Meeting dates

  • September 20th
  • October 18th
  • November 8th
  • December 20th
  • January 10th
  • February 14th
  • March 13th
  • April 17th
  • May 8th
  • June 12th
Upcoming world language-related workshops and conferences hosted by other organizations

State & National Events

New York State Association for Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) Annual Conference, "World Language Education:  Supporting Our Students, Supporting Each Other"", Marriott Syracuse Downtown, Syracuse, NY, October 20-21, 2023.  For more information on the New York State Association for Language Teachers (NYSAFLT), please visit their website.

NCSSFL Annual Business Meeting, Chicago, IL, November 14-16, 2023

ACTFL 2023, Chicago, IL, November 17-19, 2023

 

Regional Events

NYCAFLT/UFT (10/14/23)

LILT (11/4/23)

LECNY (11/7/23)

PoWeRFuL (4/13/24)