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