NYSAFLT Foreign Language Advocacy

NYSAFLT encourages you to use these documents below to help educate those who have contact with foreign language whether it is through their children or themselves directly. A suggested use for these documents is at Open House, or to encourage another Foreign Language teacher to join our organization. If you are a non-NYSAFLT member using this information, we kindly ask that you join our organization so you, too, may benefit from this and numerous other materials we have to offer you. This is just a sampling of what we can offer you to help you be a better teacher of languages other than English.

AP Examination Feedback

It was recently brought to NYSAFLT's attention that several AP examinations would be discontinued. NYSAFLT members and language professionals who are so inclined are encouraged to express their opinion on this matter. Below, you will find 2 written responses to the expected discontinuation of these exams from the AATF and JNCL/NCLIS. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

• AATF Response

• JNCL/NCLIS Response

Videos & Audio

Contact Government Officials

To find the contact information for a member of the New York State Senate, Assembly and/or Board of Regents, please visit one of the links below:

• Assembly Link
• Senate Link - Click on Senators > Senate Lookup by zip-code
• Board of Regents
• Legislative Supporters for Bills S2167 and A2011

Legislative Bills

New York State Legislature Bill Lookup

• HR 2111 (PDF) - To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a partnership program in foreign languages.
  • HR 2111 Talking Points
  • HR 2111 Letter to Congressman
• S.3744 (PDF) - Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Program (NYSAFLT encourages you to send contributions to support the NYSAFLT Student Travel Abroad Fund to NYSAFLT Headquarters)
• S.6230 (PDF) - Directs the commission of education to establish an incentive program for school district wishing to implement programs of foreign language in the elementary schools; further directs the commissioner of education to establish an incentive program for college students wishing to become foreign language teachers and makes an appropriation therefor.
• A.8882 (PDF) - Directs the commission of education to establish an incentive program for school district wishing to implement programs of foreign language in the elementary schools; further directs the commissioner of education to establish an incentive program for college students wishing to become foreign language teachers and makes an appropriation therefor.
• Dodd-Cochran International and Foreign Language Studies Act, S.1105
• S. RES. 308 - (United States Senate) 2006 Year of Languages
• Foreign Language Assistance Program Letter of Support (May 31, 2005)

2007/2008 Public Advocacy Guide

Advocacy Documents
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• FLES Brain Research (84K)
• Foreign Languages for Our Times (580K)
• Foreign Languages for Your Child's Future (332K)
• Helping Your Child To Be A Successful Second Language Learner (1099 K)
• Incentive For Attracting More Foreign Language Teachers (130K)
• Legislative Letter for Educational Funding (94K)
• Open The Doors To New Worlds with Foreign Language (139K)
• Status of Foreign Language Study in NYS (94K)
• Weblinks for Foreign Language Advocacy (accurate as of November '03) (80K)
• What Can Teachers Do To Promote A Language Proficiency Society?(88K)
• What the United States Can Learn From Other Countries (92K)
• When The Language of Science Isn't English (84K)

NYSAFLT Position Statements
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NYSAFLT has recently released position statements relating to how NYSAFLT approached particular language issues that arise in New York State. Click here to reach this document.

External Links For Your Consideration

• Foreign Language Education For ALL Students: A Position Paper of The National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (State Council of State Supervisors For Languages)
• Global Education Policy Statement - PDF (The Council of Chief State School Officers)