NCOLCTL ANNUAL 2015 CONFERENCE
The 18th annual conference of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL) is scheduled for April 24-26, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel Washington - Dulles, Airport VA (with pre-conference workshops scheduled for April 23rd, 2015). The Languages of America in the 21st century
KEYNOTE and PLENARY SPEAKERS
Keynate Speaker: Dr. Richard Brecht , Co-director, American Councils Research Center
Topic:Bending the Arc of America’s Languages: The Emergence of LCTLs in America
After decades of suppression, neglect and indifference, at the end of the 20thcentury important social changes here and abroad broadened the concept of “America’s Languages.” Aside from the indigenous and post-colonial languages, immigrant and other “world” languages more firmly coalesced under a sobriquet of LCTLs and demanded stronger national voice and organizational support. Thus was born the NCOLCTL and a number of its member organizations. We are now witnessing a new energy on behalf of language in the U.S... Read More........
Pleanary Speakers
1. Dan Scott, Deputy Assistant Director of National Intelligence / Human Capital, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Topic:Addressing Language Shortfalls for the Americas
The Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, and the entire Federal Government have critical needs for a workforce with professional level foreign language proficiency as well as a deep cultural understanding of other people and nations. This includes the Americas. While the Intelligence Community proper doesn’t focus so much on indigenous Native American languages, the Federal Government as a whole does have a keen interest on preserving, knowing, understanding, and communicating in the many languages of the Americas...Read More....
2. NCOLCTL Past Presidents / Directors Panel ......Read More...
3. Jacque Bott Van Houten has a BA, MAT University of Louisville, MAT University of Cincinnati, Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio.
Topic:Making Languages Commonly Taught!
Language enrollments shift with changing economies, politics, and immigration. The past 25 years have witnessed a dramatic increase in programs in Less Commonly Taught Languages. Given the challenge of trying to predict the future, as language educators we need to be more united than ever for the benefit of our learners, while increasing the language opportunities for ALL learners at all levels. How might Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages become more commonly taught? Learners benefit when programs are consistent in providing WHAT (Standards-based), HOW (communicative learning), and HOW WELL (clear performance expectations).... Read More....
4. Dr. William P. Rivers is the Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies.
Topic:The LCTLs and America’s Languages
As the Language Enterprise prepares for the Commission on Languages of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the organizations in the world of Less Commonly Taught Languages need to ensure that they are ready to present themselves to the broader public and policy makers as essential components of responsible 21stcentury world citizenship. The language industry occupies a central place in the world economy; addressing global geopolitics, demographic change, and emerging global challenges such as climate change requires linguistic and cultural human capital. This presentation discusses the state of language in the US in light of the upcoming Commission, and provides concrete steps for LCTL leaders to take to ensure that the LCTLs have a voice in policy decisions ....Read More....
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
1. Building an Online Language Program 101 by Esther Ham
2. Self-Efficacy for LCTL Teachers by Kirk Belnap
PROGRAM
You may view the complete conference program HERE