World Language Network Consortium Meeting - GVEP / TCTRC - Leroy, NY - March 18, 2019

32 World Language educators from Western New York attended a WL network collaborative sponsored by the Genesee Region Teachers’ Center (GRTC) and the Tri-County Teacher Resource Center (TCTRC).  This event was facilitated by Beth Slocum, WL Educator for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) and current president of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT).  The focus of the meeting was to examine ACTFL’s World Readiness Standards and their impact on lesson design in the 6-12 classroom.

Melanie Thomas of the Spencerport School District was a featured presenter on the topic of Integrated Performance Assessments (IPA).  Attendees examined IPA models and worked to align their own content with these examples. By leading with intercultural themes and focusing on the World-Readiness Standards, lesson design embraces cultural understandings and communicative competence.

Candace Black, NYSED Director of World Languages at the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, joined the group via Zoom to provide information on some NYSED initiatives including 4+1 Pathway Exams, the Seal of Biliteracy, and World Language Standards.  Attendees were able to ask pertinent questions relevant to their respective districts.  The WL Network Consortium looks forward to meeting again in the Summer/Fall of 2019.