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  • Important things to note (direct quotes taken from the ACOS Document): 

    • In order to ensure students receive the most effective instruction, it is recommended that world languages class sizes be no more than 15 to 20 students per class. (p. 8)
    • Teachers who have Native and/or Heritage Speakers of the target language in their class should assess which modes need to be maintained and which need to be developed further. (p. 8)
    • ACTFL recommends that learning take place through the target language for 90% or more of classroom time. The target is to provide immersion in the target language unless there is a specific reason to NOT use the target language. Second Language Acquisition research has shown that learners need as much exposure as possible to the target language for acquisition to occur. Learners need to be actively engaged with the target language. Just like learning to ride a bike or any other important skill, learning is best achieved by doing. For many learners, the precious minutes in our classrooms are the only opportunity in their day to experience the target Alabama Course of Study: World Languages 7 language. Language educators must maximize this exposure by providing a language-rich environment that prepares learners for success in the real world. Likewise, if the goal is for learners to have the proficiency to survive and thrive in the target culture, whether it be in our neighborhoods or across the ocean, then authentic target language experiences and materials must be provided. (p. 6-7)
    • Proficiency, as defined by ACTFL, is what individuals can do with a language in real-world situations in spontaneous and unrehearsed contexts. Proficiency is based on the speaker’s ability to communicate within a particular context. It is not based solely on grammatical accuracy and thus there is no possibility to “get all the answers right.” Therefore, the goal of a proficiency-based language program is to develop learners who can communicate competently in the language rather than simply talk about the language. For modern spoken languages, proficiency is measured in all three modes of communication: Interpretive (Listening and Reading), Interpersonal (Speaking and Writing) and Presentational (Speaking and
      Writing). (p. 6)