Practical Program Evaluation for Instructors of Less Commonly Taught Languages–NEW!

June 26–July 14, 2023
Asynchronous* 3-week online summer institute

ACTFL logo
This summer institute is
co-sponsored byACTFL

评估理解outcom至关重要es of language programs. In conducting evaluation, it is important to take a comprehensive approach that considers the needs of learners and teachers, the requirements and capacities of administrators, parents and other stakeholders, the values of the discipline and the contributions of the program to the local, national and general society. With less commonly taught languages, the context becomes even more critical to consider. This course provides teachers, administrators, faculty in teacher preparation programs and other stakeholders a theoretical and practical approach to world language program evaluation in the K-postsecondary context.

This engaging institute will use both scenario-based and actual participant contexts to explore the concepts discussed and to identify areas of potential success and challenge for implementation. Participants will first define program evaluation for their own contexts and consider the opportunities and challenges of both LCTLs in general and the language with which they work. Next, they will learn to design a program evaluation for their own macro or micro contexts by setting goals, determining outcomes, and defining the instruments needed to conduct the evaluation. Participants will also utilize and adapt existing instruments or develop new instruments for their context. Finally, participants will learn how to best communicate, apply, and implement evaluation results to a variety of contexts.


Program Schedule
Module 1
  • Orientation
  • Definitions of Evaluation
  • Needs Assessment of Individual Contexts
  • Defining Language in Language Program Evaluation
Module 2
  • Defining Macro and Micro Concepts
  • Identifying Stakeholders
  • Confirming Goals and Outcomes
Module 3
  • Defining Instruments
  • Modifying Existing Instruments
  • Developing New Instruments
Module 4
  • Implementing Evaluation
  • Establishing Timelines
Module 5
  • Developing Final Reports
  • Communicating Results
  • Implementing Results

After this institute, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the differences between assessment and evaluation;

  • Conduct a needs assessment;

  • Examine existing research and resources for applicability to their own context;

  • Contextualize evaluation within their own school, program, district or state; and

  • Develop a draft plan for program evaluation and its implementation.

Instructors


Meg Malone

Celia Zamora

Margaret Maloneis Director of Assessment and Research at ACTFL, and co-leader ofPractical Program Evaluation. She is the former Director of the AELRC and has over 30 years of experience in language education. Dr. Malone is well-versed in program evaluation, survey research, materials development, language test development, and professional development delivered through online and face-to-face platforms.

Celia Chomón Zamorais Director for Professional Learning and Certification at ACTFL and co-leader ofPractical Program Evaluation. Dr. Zamora has over 15 years of experience as a K-12 language teacher and administrator, an instructor and administrator of postsecondary language courses, and a researcher of heritage language instruction.


Target Audience
This institute is designed for K-12 and postsecondary world language faculty and administrators who work in and with LCTL programs and need to develop program evaluations. It is also relevant for postsecondary faculty in teacher preparation programs who need to prepare students for this work.

It is important to note that while there are readings that are relevant to both audiences there is paucity of published research on language program evaluation. Thus, participants must be willing to extrapolate beyond the contexts provided in published research to fit their own needs.

*IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THIS ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE INSTITUTE:

  • This institute is primarilyasynchronous (not real time).For the most part, you will work on activities according to your own schedule during the week but there are preset deadlines for activities. Instruction takes place only during the institute dates.
  • You must keep up with assignments each week as they build on each other.Many assignments involve facilitation from the instructor and/or collaboration with other participants.
  • This institute includes several required check-in/discussion同步ronoussessions:Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Central Time).Note: Instead of meeting on Tuesday, July 4, this institute will meet onWednesday, July 5.
  • Make sure you can meet thetech requirementsfor this institute.


Sponsorship Statement:
This summer institute is generously co-sponsored and co-staffed byACTFL.

Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship Program–NEW!

Logo - PriorityThePriority Teacher Professional Development Scholarshipprogram is designed to promote equity and access to affordable professional development for world language educators who are currently teaching at aCommunity College,Minority Serving Institution, orHistorically Black College/Universityin the United States and/or are currently teaching aLess Commonly Taught Languagein the United States. The program provides funding for selected teachers in these categories to attend a CARLA Summer Institute for no charge.

Learn more and apply by March 17, 2023 on thePriority Teacher Professional Development Scholarshipwebsite.

CARLA Mailing List Signup Contact CARLA CARLA Events Donate to CARLA CARLA on Facebook CARLA on YouTube Twitter
Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) • 140 University International Center • 331 - 17th Ave SE • Minneapolis, MN 55414