K-12 World Language Task Force

Purpose: 

• Develop a plan for providing instruction in world languages in grades K-12 in the Bellingham School District.

Basis for Establishment:

• New high school graduation requirements approved by the Board of Directors.
• Requested by Superintendent and Approved by Board of Directors November 8, 2007.

Decision Making Process:

• Consultative to the Superintendent and Board. We will be making recommendations regarding the K-12 world language curriculum offerings and program.
• Consensus will be used for internal decisions during the on going work of the Task Force.
• Input and feedback from students, parents, staff, and administrators will be formally solicited during the process. Community input will be solicited on the draft recommendations.

Plan of Work:

• Review existing world language opportunities for students.
• Review new graduation requirements.
• Identify issues and research on language acquisition K-12.
• Explore effective programs and practices.
• Develop a plan/proposal to implement world language programs K-12, including staffing, curriculum, funding, professional development, public relations, and community interest in world languages.
• Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the initiative and the resources needed to implement the plan.
• Draft proposed recommendations, including communication plan, and present for public review.
• Revise recommendations and present to superintendent for review and board consideration.

Task Force Membership:

• April Boyden
• Sherrie Brown
• Sean Cooper
• Kristin Denham
• Robin Gilster
• Katie Gomez
• Janae Hodge
• Brend Holma
• Mary Hooker
• Bobbie Jaffe
• Gail Knops
• Stan Kreft
• Lois Longwood
• Rob McElroy
• Deirdre O’Neill
• Evan Ritchie
• Betsy Rocks
• Elizabeth Sanchez
• Anita Sassen
• Sabine Sloley
• Sally Unger
• Sharon Voth
• Elizabeth Wright
• Susan Zoller

Responsibilities:

• Attend meetings, actively and appropriately participate in meetings, and review committee materials.
• Abide by group norms for behavior, as described in application/letter of interest.
• Do “homework,” as agreed to by group.
• Develop and support final recommendations to superintendent/Board.
• Develop a final report.

Timeline:

• Board approval for Task Force – November 8, 2007
• Accept applications for membership – closing November 22, 2007
• Convene group for meetings 2x/month
• Draft recommendations for public review in March
• Present final recommendations to superintendent in April

Budget Implications:

Budget implications will include FTE, instructional resources, facility, and professional development.  These issues will be reviewed and presented as part of the plan for the multi-year implementation.

Meetings:

December 18, 2007 – Minutes

January 8, 2008 – Minutes

January 22, 2008 – Minutes

February 5, 2008 – Minutes

March 4, 2008 – Minutes

April 2, 2008 – Minutes

April 15, 2008 – Minutes

April 24, 2008 – Minutes

June 19, 2008 – Recommendations from K-12 World Language Task Force