Seminar Theme

Standards

The Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the Twenty-First Century, introduced in 1996 and revised in 1999, created the bold vision of a long sequence of language instruction for all learners, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade twelve and beyond. Eleven content standards were clustered within five major goals:

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  Communication: Communicate in Languages Other than English
  
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  Cultures: Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures
  
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  Connections: Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information
  
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  Comparisons: Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture
  
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  Communities: Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home and Around the World
  

Sample performance indicators were provided for grades four, eight, and twelve, and sample learning scenarios described classroom activities that reflect the standards. After introduction of the general standards in 1996, supporting documents were developed for nine languages and were included in the 1999 edition.
ACTFL Performance Guidelines for K–12 Learners, devised in 1998, support the content standards with descriptions of student performance. Based on both the Proficiency Guidelines and the Standards document, the Performance Guidelines reinforce the vision of the K–12 sequence and dramatize the idea that proficiency development requires time and intensity of language instruction.