PaCIE Advocacy Efforts
The Struggle for World Language Standards in Pennsylvania
PaCIE has recently taken a strong
stand supporting implementation of standards for teaching world languages
(i.e., foreign languages) to all Pennsylvania K-12 students. In cooperation
with the Pennsylvania
State Modern Languages Association (PSMLA),
we have actively lobbied the State Board of Education, key state legislators,
and others, urging them to finally implement the standards that have
remained in limbo for years.
For more information on the struggle
for world language standards in Pennsylvania, download a copy of our World Languages Briefing Paper.
PaCIE board members have also given
testimony before the State Board of Education:
We continue to seek
to engage our member schools and institutions in this advocacy effort
through letter writing campaigns and calls and visits to legislators
and various state officials. For information on how you can help,
contact Judy Pehrson at jpehrson@fandm.edu.
Other PaCIE Advocacy Efforts
PaCIE Advocacy Approaches
PaCIE's advocacy efforts take a variety of forms:
Traditional
- Expanding the numbers of stakeholders who understand
and can articulate international education goals and objectives.
- Using this understanding to increase numbers
of voters who speak out for or against policies, funding decisions
and assumptions that support or undermine those goals and objectives.
- Lobbying government entities to achieve an
end that maintains or supports desired programs and outcomes.
Progressive, a broader definition of advocacy that incorporates:
- Teaching professionals how to negotiate and advocate
for international education within their institutions.
- Providing opportunities to showcase and share achievements
in programs and research.
- Providing visibility and recognition for professionals
who are operating international programs with limited resources
and great creativity.
- Researching and disseminating information about funding
for international and world language education at all levels.
- Using these examples and resources to demonstrate
to institutional and governmental “powers that be” how things
can be done.
PaCIE Advocacy Foci
Advocating for Our Members
- K-16 Collaboration Award – members nominate programs
in which colleges and universities have worked effectively with public
schools in promoting language and international cultures education. PaCIE's annual conference includes:
- An award presentation;
- A showcase of several exemplary programs; and
- A poster session for others.
- Enrollment connections – providing opportunities
for PaCIE institutions to connect to secondary school teachers and
officials interested in international education.
- Opportunities to present at the annual conference (often needed
to receive institutional funding).
Advocating with Our Members
- Become informed about state funding priorities
and proposals related to international education.
- Develop organizational positions and strategies
related to state policies on funding related to international
issues.
- Collaborate with PSMLA by providing supporting
testimony and appropriate legislative lobbying for World Language
and Cultures Standards in PA.
- Develop a mechanism to efficiently inform PaCIE
members about state and national issues and give guidance on effective
endorsement or protest of such issues.
PaCIE Letters
Title VI Funding Letter to
Senators Greg, Kennedy, Santorum, and Specter. <view>
Title VI Funding Letter: April
13 <view> |
