How to advocate for language education at all levels
ACTFL is working to raise public awareness on the benefits of language learning in order to influence the direction of US education. Our goals include: maintaining existing language education programs, 多样化的新语言教学, and reaching more middle and elementary school students with world language instruction. Now, more than ever, advocacy in support of language education is critical. 探索 国家倡导目标 你可以通过更多的方式参与进来.
We often hear our leaders talk about the importance of a 21st Century education and the need for our future graduates to compete in the global marketplace. Language education is a critical component of the nation's future competitiveness. Your Senators and Representative need to hear from you, and you can also take personal action in the following ways:
语言连接基金会 (LCF) is a national not-for-profit and philanthropic organization created in partnership with our parent organization, ACTFL, to uplift language educators and champion language education.
50多年来, ACTFL has been the largest individual membership organization serving the needs of language educators. ACTFL already makes a significant impact on the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all instruction levels, 但我们还有更多工作要做.
LCF is a standalone entity created to raise the funds necessary to advance and deepen the breadth and scope of ACTFL’s impactful work. 最终的目标是帮助确保多样化, 准备充分, and highly skilled language educator workforce today and for generations to come.
在四个优先领域中, LCF致力于创造公共教育, ensuring that those outside the profession understand the importance of language education. 倡导者可以利用 研究-比如 使 我们的业务 报告——一个 倡导资源工具箱 通过基金会网站. 有关 学习语言的十大好处 还能支持草根事业吗.
Young people are most open to learning about new languages and cultures. Early language study leads to long sequence programs and proficiency. Starting early facilitates addition of more languages, and language study helps children develop cognitive skills.
Language learning leads to greater understanding of different cultures. Increasing language proficiency opens more opportunities in secondary study. Language study enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The skills required in learning a language transfer to other academic subjects and improved performance in those subjects.
Developing proficiency in other languages broadens career options. Skills in languages other than English make those not bound for postsecondary study more attractive employment candidates in a wide range of careers where communicating with diverse customers is necessary. Good language achievement enhances a student’s college prospects and opens paths for a wider range of college-level fields of study.
The postsecondary experience can be greatly enhanced by study abroad and travel abroad programs when students have multilingual skills. 这是最后的职业准备, where language proficiency will greatly enhance their employment and future career prospects. Knowing another language will expose postsecondary students to career fields they might not have known about without this academic background.
Solid language programs make the community and its schools more attractive to potential residents and employers. These programs contribute to a more diverse population and enhance the cultural experiences of all citizens. Offering language programs addresses the concerns and demands of parents in the community. Encouraging language learning helps develop a more valuable employment pool with contemporary skills. Acquisition of language skills increases business opportunities with minority groups within the community. Broader language skills help to improve the community by minimizing language barriers and building cross-cultural understanding.
