July 23, 2010
Dear World Language Leaders,
July 14, 2010 was a momentous day for world languages in our state. The State Board of Education approved a resolution in support of offering competency-based (proficiency-based) credits for world languages. As noted below, this is the first academic area to develop a model policy and procedure for offering competency-based credits. I’ve attached the materials we took to the meeting for our presentation (including a Memo to the State Board, the model policy and procedure developed with the Washington State School Directors’ Association, Comparisons with several other states, FAQs, and the Draft Competency-Based Policy Resolution).
Resolution approved by the State Board of Education at its July 14, 2010 meeting:
Competency-based Policy Resolution
WHEREAS, the State Board of Education has long supported Washington’s move toward a performance-based system of education; and
WHEREAS, the State Board of Education high school credit rule allows districts to award credit to students who satisfactorily demonstrate competencies according to written district policy; and
WHEREAS, the State Board of Education seeks to encourage districts to develop and implement competency-based credit opportunities for students;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State Board of Education endorses the publication of the Washington State School Directors’ Association’s (WSSDA) first sample competency-based policy and procedure in the area of world languages.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Board of Education will continue to collaborate with WSSDA and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to develop additional sample competency-based policies and procedures in other subject areas for districts to use as a guide for establishing local policies.
Presentation materials on the State Board of Education Meetings web page:
http://www.sbe.wa.gov/#2010meetings
The entire packet is: http://www.sbe.wa.gov/documents/2010...t.pdf#page=186
The World Languages Memo section (attached) is on pages 186-201
PowerPoint Presentation (in PDF format):
http://www.sbe.wa.gov/documents/2010...esentation.pdf
Note that there was one comment that I received after the PPT was already prepared, which I read out loud at the meeting:
“The Washington State Tribes through collaborative efforts with the State brought to fruition the First Peoples’ Language and Culture certification process – Native Language teachers are teaching Tribal languages for credit in both Tribal and Public Schools! Furthermore, the State’s World Languages Program is now working towards proficiency based World Language Credits which includes First Peoples Languages of Washington State – how awesome is that? We are looking at world-wide recognition for our individual Tribal languages, each so unique and each so expressive of our respective cultures and philosophies. As more awareness develops for the First Peoples’ Languages in Washington State, a generic comment such as, “Oh. He must be talking Indian”, might be more specifically realized and instead more comments will be heard such as, “He has three World Language Credits in Makah.” Or, “She is speaking Quinault.” Truly we belong to a global community and through multilingualism we have more understanding of each other: through communication and understanding, we can develop more fully a respect for each others’ unique languages and cultures, statewide, nationally and worldwide.” Maria Parker Pascua – Makah, 7/2/10.
Next Steps (from the Presentation):
· WSSDA will post sample policy/procedures on WSSDA website; notify members.
· SBE and OSPI will post sample policy/procedures and FAQs on respective websites to provide broad access to all public, private, and tribal schools.
· OSPI will publicize sample policy/procedures in world languages presentations.
· SBE will work with HECB on acceptance of world language competency-based credit by colleges (conversation already started).
WSSDA – Washington State School Directors’ Association; SBE – State Board of Education; OSPI – Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
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So, this is the piece of the puzzle that the State can figure out. Now it moves to the local school districts. Each district must implement its own policy and procedure. They can adopt and/or adapt the model policy and procedure (or create something on their own – hopefully aligned with the model).
How you can help:
- Make sure that your school board (which will adopt/adapt the policy) and district administrators (who will adopt/adapt/develop the procedure) are aware that a model policy/procedure has been developed by the State – and that OSPI, SBE, and WSSDA all support this effort. Ask the school board to introduce the model policy for discussion so it can be voted on at a subsequent meeting.
- Help the district make decisions about the procedure, such as when/how assessments will be offered, how much they will cost (and how much students will pay or be subsidized), who will coordinate this process, how letters to students will be issued, how the district data systems will record the credits, etc. Encourage districts to work together to offer more options to students.
- Help get the word out – especially among students in community or out-of-school language programs, immigrant groups, etc. Tell them we hope that students will take advantage of this opportunity early (by 8th or 9th grade).
- Let the districts know that OSPI is here to help. Tell them to contact me michele.aoki@k12.wa.us if they have questions or need support in making the case.
Have a great summer!
Michele
Michele Anciaux Aoki, Ph.D.| World Languages Program Supervisor
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Old Capitol Building | PO Box 47200 | Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Phone: 360.725.6129 | Fax: 360.725.6017 | Email: michele.aoki@k12.wa.us
Visit the World Languages web pages: http://www.k12.wa.us/WorldLanguages/
Register now for the Global Competence Institute August 11, 2010 in Vancouver, WA.
(And submit work to the EdSteps Global Competence continuum: www.edsteps.org.)
Save the Date! World Languages / Bilingual Ed Teacher Certification Summit October 7, 2010.
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