News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
- home
›- Language Magazine | Improving Literacy & Communication
›- Education & Personal Development
Language Magazine | Improving Literacy & Communication - Education & Personal Development
10 | Follower
Pre-K to K Activities to Enhance Fine Motor Skills | Language Magazine
When children master tasks like holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt, they gain more than skills—they gain independence. These everyday moments are where confidence begins to grow.In our free on-demand webinar, you'll learn how to nurture these skills and assist your students' journey toward independence.
Igniting a Lifelong Love of Literacy | Language Magazine
Elizabeth DeWitt unlocks the power of emergent writing in literacy development Emergent literacy encompasses the foundational skills that underpin children’s later success in reading and writing. While early reading development often receives more attention, emergent writing plays an equally important role in supporting well-balanced literacy development. Through a child’s first encounter with drawing, scribbling, and letter-like forms, they will begin making sense of print—and of their own voices. When children are encouraged to write from an early age, they engage with language in meaningful ways. These first marks on paper are not just early communication attempts; they are the beginning
State Reps Strengthen Chinese Education Ties with Taiwan | Language Magazine
In June, an eight-member delegation from the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL), including its president Melissa Monroe, vice president Stacy Lyon, and president elect Cathleen Skinner, went on an official visit to Taiwan, organized by the Ministry of Education and FICHET—the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan. During their visit, they were accompanied by Sophie Chou, Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. and they met with education authorities and discussed possible ways to strengthen international cooperation and provide practical support for Mandarin language education.
CA Bill Attempts to Address Bilingual Teacher Shortage | Language Magazine
A bill (AB 833) to expand California’s teacher exchange program with Mexico has been passed by the state’s Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committee in response to the shortage of Spanish-speaking teachers in the California public school system. However, even if it is passed, the Trump administration’s recent reduction of J-1 visas and other visas needed by international teachers may limit the flow of teachers from Mexico. AB 833 unanimously passed both of the Assembly Committee votes and passed the Assembly 77–1 with one member abstaining. Authored by Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego), the bill would require the State Board of
Growing Demand for Korean Spurs New Sejong Institutes Worldwide | Language Magazine
This year, 11 new King Sejong Institutes will open across nine countries, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. With the new centers, there will be a total of 252 institutes in 87 countries. Named after King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), who created the Korean alphabet Hangeul, the King Sejong Institute Foundation, which oversees Korean language education abroad, is expanding its network to ease waitlists and meet growing demand for Korean classes worldwide. In Egypt, where the only KSI in Cairo faced a waitlist of more than 1,200 students, two new centers will open at Ain Shams
AI AS A TOOL FOR INCLUSIVE BILINGUAL EDUCATION | Language Magazine
Lizdelia Piñón believes AI won’t replace bilingual educators, but it can empower them Bilingual educators often serve as a bridge for students navigating two worlds academically, linguistically,and culturally. But the demands placed on these educators continue to grow.Many are tasked with meeting rigorous academic standards, differentiating instruction for multiple language proficiency levels, and creating culturally relevant lessons, often without sufficient resources or support. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful partner to meet these challenges. Serving a Growing Student Population In the US, over five million emergent bilingual students (also referred to as
Spain Introduces Fast-Track in Response to US Student Restrictions | Language Magazine
Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz, has announced the preparation of a fast-track access route to the Spanish university system for international students affected by the recent immigration restrictions imposed in the U.S. Assut de l'Or Bridge, Valencia, Spain. Approved by the Council of Ministers, the policy, dubbed EduBridge to Spain, is part of the government's strategy to strengthen Spain's potential as a host of international talent. 'Spain has enormous potential as a leading destination for global talent, as evidenced by its strong economic performance and the fact that three million foreigners have chosen our country
Senate Recommends Retention of Education Department and Level Funding | Language Magazine
The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill. The bill, which includes funding for key education, workforce, and health programs, was approved by the committee with a 26-3 vote, and is now headed to the full Senate for consideration. The bill allocates roughly $200 billion—similar to the previous year's enacted funding, including $79 billion for the Department of Education, exceeding President Trump's proposal by $12.3 billion. It emphasizes support for programs like Title I-A, IDEA Part B, the Rural Education Achievement Program, Head Start, and
Nine Dimensions of Scaffolding | Language Magazine
Linguistic diversity among our multilingual students in grades pre-K–12 has been steadily increasing over the last 15 years, and with changing classroom dynamics, we need strong, intentional instruction to meet their unique needs. Yet, all too often, novice and experienced teachers may teach as if they are working with students who come from monolingual, English-speaking American backgrounds, despite today’s classrooms being far more culturally and linguistically diverse than ever before. To truly support every learner, start from an asset-based approach—recognizing and valuing the rich linguistic and cultural resources multilingual students bring to the classroom. How can educators create a support
Leading Effective Curriculum-Based Learning | Language Magazine
New academic standards have drastically changed our expectations for student learning. However, most teachers have never experienced the type of learning called for in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (National Standards Collaborative Board, 2015). The present time provides a unique opportunity to change world language education for all students through enhanced views of teacher leadership. Richard Elmore (2009) proposes that to improve student learning on a large scale, we must focus teacher leadership on the instructional core. The instructional core includes three critical elements: (1) the need to reform based on modern frameworks for developing students’ local and global
CA Devotes $200M to Early Literacy | Language Magazine
California’s budget will include $200 million to fund a comprehensive statewide approach to early literacy, dubbed the Golden State Literacy Plan. Key to the plan is California Assembly Bill 1454, which passed unanimously. It requires that credential program standards, professional development, and state-adopted instructional materials align with “Evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills, which shall include explicit and systematic instruction in print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to all pupils, and attending to oral language development, vocabulary and background knowledge, and comprehension, including tiered supports for pupils with reading difficulties, English Learners, and pupils with
A Conversation About Welcome Newcomers Stories | Language Magazine
REGISTER NOW FOR TOMORROW'S WEBINAR Join Saddleback’s Director of Literacy, Jill Haney, and Anna Davis Saeli, Educator and Interviewer, for the powerful new Welcome Newcomers Stories library. Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Time: 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT In this webinar, Jill will introduce Welcome Newcomers Stories, a brand-new library designed to give voice to teen immigrants through authentic, student-driven narratives. You'll get an insider’s look at what’s included in the boxed set, from the uniquely designed readersto teaching resources built for real classroom impact. Anna Saeli has been teaching all levels of high school English learners for
Defining Francoresponsabilité | Language Magazine
French is both a global and a local language—spoken by over 300 million worldwide, but also an American language. While French has been part of our American identity since the earliest days of the European era in North America, it is also spoken by new arrivals from France and from around the world. The current status of French in the US is complex, both within and beyond the classroom, and Francoresponsabilité, the intentional use of French in our daily lives, in the workplace, and in our society, is essential to support the vibrancy of French both as an additional world
Skibidi Lexicographer Gets Delulu Over Tradwife | Language Magazine
Skibidi, delulu, tradwife, and broligarchy are among the more than 6000 new English words, phrases and meanings that have been added to the Cambridge Dictionary, the world’s most popular online dictionary for learners of English, in the last 12 months.The words have been picked up from TikTok or YouTube and grown in use across social and mainstream media, linked to celebrities and influencers, as well as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose famous quote is “delulu with no solulu.” Skibidi, for which there are many meanings, including cool or bad, or which can be used with no real meaning as
Reimagine the Science of Reading Through a Multilingual Lens | Language Magazine
As the Science of Reading (SoR) gains traction across states, schools, and teacher preparation programs, a pressing question has emerged: How well does the SoR framework serve multilingual learners (MLs)? The Reading League (2021, para. 1) defines the SoR as “a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing,” drawing from fields such as cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education. Proponents champion its research-based foundations and its potential to improve reading outcomes through explicit, systematic instruction. For many educators, the SoR has provided much-needed clarity, structure, and a corrective to years of inconsistent
Serving Spanish Heritage Students | Language Magazine
In recognition of her work teaching and designing courses for Spanish heritage-language students, Kelley Howarth received a Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy. Students who grow up speaking Spanish in their homes or communities sometimes lose confidence in their language when they get to school. “For a lot of students there’s a linguistic trauma they have experienced,” said Kelley Howarth, a senior instructor II who teaches in the Spanish Heritage Language Program. “Often they’re told not to speak Spanish in school, or they are told they are not speaking the right Spanish.” As one of the leaders of teaching Spanish to
Spanish Pride | Language Magazine
Víctor Fuentes, Photo Credit: Debra Herrick Since the 16th century, the Spanish language has been interwoven into the fabric of American history, shaping its literary and cultural landscapes. Yet much of this literary tradition remains underexplored. In Florilegio, Víctor Fuentes, a professor emeritus at UC Santa Barbara, brings together a collection of Spanish-language texts written within the US, spanning from the 16th to the mid-20th century. The book’s title, meaning “flower picking,” reflects its purpose: to gather and showcase a literary tradition that has long flourished in the US, even if it has often been overlooked. “This literature is part
English’s Feminine Spin | Language Magazine
When English speakers think about “vocabulary,” we tend to think of words that were borrowed into the language from Latin or Greek or French—like the words vocabulary and language. So many new words from these foreign or ancient sources entered English that, by the mid-1500s, there was a backlash against them, and a movement arose to create words with Old English roots to displace Latin borrowings. For example, some writers used words like forespeache to mean “preface” and endsay for “conclusion.” A few of these are still with us; naysay was an artificial concoction invented during this period to provide
State Literacy Funding Update: Wisconsin Court Delays Literacy Funding | Language Magazine
In June, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the state legislature could continue withholding funds intended for childhood literacy education under the Department of Public Instruction. The court ruled unanimously that Democratic governor Tony Evers had overstepped his partial veto power— intended only for appropriations bills— when he adapted the 2023 Wisconsin Act 100 to fund a “literacy program” instead of a “literacy coaching program,” which had the intended effect of combining two separate appropriations into one. Writing for the Supreme Court’s unanimous majority, Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley said the Wisconsin state constitution “does not authorize the governor to partially
New Reading Standards for Alaska Native Languages | Language Magazine
The Alaska Board of Education has unanimously approved new reading standards for Alaska Native languages, so students from kindergarten to third grade can now have their reading skills evaluated in an Alaska Native language instead of English. The new standards, which are broader than the state’s current reading standards, give students learning an Alaska Native language another option to meet reading requirements set by the Alaska Reads Act. Schools are allowed to fit the standards to their cultural and linguistic needs. The standards recognize students can achieve literacy in state languages other than English. Jamie Shanley, assistant director of education
Free ‘Future Forests’ Digital Toolkit and Next-Gen Class VR Headsets | Language Magazine
Avantis Education, a global leader in virtual- and augmented-reality (VR/AR) technology for K–12 schools, is offering a free Future Forest digital toolkit that teachers can use to take students on an interactive VR journey through a rainforest. It includes a VR scene—viewable with or without a ClassVR headset—that allows students to explore the rainforest and presents them with two choices that highlight the consequences of deforestation versus sustainable practices. The toolkit also includes a comprehensive downloadable resource pack filled with curriculum-aligned lesson plans and activity ideas that highlight the importance of rainforests and the communities that call them home. The
Putin Supports Global Russian Language Promotion | Language Magazine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for a proposal to create a national center that would promote Russian as a second language around the world, similar to China’s Confucius Institutes, Spain’s Instituto Cervantes, the UK’s British Council, and France’s Alliance Française. “I think creating a special center will benefit the promotion of the Russian language,” Putin said at a council meeting on state language policy implementation. He ordered the Kremlin and his cabinet to begin work on a “university-based national interdepartmental scientific and methodological center for the promotion of the Russian language in the world.” Nikita Gusev, acting chancellor
Making School Part of the Community | Language Magazine
Multilingual learners are the fastest growing population of students in our country. If you think about the history and legacy of multilingual learners and young people who speak languages other than English in our schools and communities, they’ve always been here all along the way, and their numbers are exponentially growing. Multilingual learners and families are not a monolith, which means the levels of support that we provide have to be nuanced and personalized. We also have to think critically and deeply in terms of how to engage these students, and not just assume they’re “unable to do something” just
Chinese Takes Off in the Peruvian Andes | Language Magazine
The first Chinese language teaching center established in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, Peru, has sparked a wave of enthusiasm for learning about Chinese culture in the local community, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute in Peru told the Global Times. Established by the Confucius Institute at Ricardo Palma University in Peru, the center in Cusco currently has five classes with 54 students. Many are tour guides or university students hoping to enhance their career prospects and find opportunities with Chinese enterprises in the future, according to Sun Yan, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at Ricardo
Language Revitalization Boosts Indigenous Health | Language Magazine
New research shows that reviving Indigenous languages may do more than preserve culture—it may also improve public health. In British Columbia, First Nations youth who speak their ancestral language are less likely to die by suicide. In Australia’s Northern Territory, community-led language initiatives are linked to better mental health outcomes. Across English-speaking settler-colonial countries—Canada, the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand—growing evidence supports what Indigenous communities have long asserted: language is health. A new scoping review—a type of research that surveys and synthesizes existing studies—brings scientific rigor to this claim. Published in the open-access journal Language and Health, the review
Supreme Court Backs Religious Beliefs in Schools | Language Magazine
Last month, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of parents who objected to LGBTQ-themed books that a Maryland county approved for use in elementary school classrooms. In a 6–3 vote, the court backed the parents’ claim that the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision not to allow an opt-out option for their children violated their religious rights under the Constitution’s First Amendment, which protects religious expression. “The board’s introduction of the ‘LGBTQ+ inclusive’ storybooks, along with its decision to withhold opt-outs, places an unconstitutional burden on the parents’ rights to the free exercise of their religion,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote
Empowering Latino Leaders in Education | Language Magazine
Ulysses Navarrete spells out the national mission of ALAS The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) is a national organization committed to advancing equitable educational opportunities for Latino and Latina students across the U.S. Founded on the principle that leadership matters, especially leadership that reflects and understands the communities it serves, ALAS works to cultivate Latino leaders in education and influence national policy to remove barriers that have historically limited the success of Latino students. At the heart of ALAS’ mission is the firm belief that representation in education leadership is not just important, it is transformational. Latino students
$6B Federal Funds for ELLs, PD, Literacy to be Released | Language Magazine
The Education Department has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of the programs subject to the Trump’s administration’s withholding of $6 billion in funding on July 1 to ensure that the spending aligned with the “White House’s priorities.” Money will be sent to states and schools next week for English Language instruction, professional development, adult literacy, and other programs, the Education Department said . The OMB reviewed $2 billion in grants for teachers’ professional development and recruitment; $890 million for English Language Learners; $715 million for adult literacy programs; $376 million to
Bridging Cultures and Classrooms - Language Magazine
At a time when global competence and cultural literacy are no longer optional in education, Delaware has taken a bold step forward. Through a visionary partnership between the Delaware Department of Education and the University of Delaware, the Delaware Teacher’s Program in Spain—an innovative study abroad initiative—is reshaping how Spanish language educators are trained and supported. The program provides K–12 teachers with a powerful combination of immersive experiences, academic coursework, and professional collaboration, all situated in the vibrant cultural landscape of Cáceres, Spain. Now entering its third year, the program was designed to respond directly to the needs identified by
Nahuatl: A Native Tongue of Taste - Language Magazine
Nahuatl (pronounced \NAH-wah-tul\) is the language that was spoken by the majority of the inhabitants of central Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest, and it is still spoken today by more than a million Nahua people. It was the language of the powerful Aztecs, whose culture dominated the region for centuries. Because Nahuatl was written using Spanish orthography beginning in the 1500s, it is easy to trace the words that have been absorbed into English over the ensuing centuries, words that describe the plants, animals, and food of this culturally and ecologically rich part of the New World.
Administration Withholds $6.8 Billion Allocated to Schools - Language Magazine
The Trump administration is withholding $6.8 billion in federal funding for K-12 schools due for distribution on July 1. Department of Education staff informed state education agencies on the day before the funding, by law, was required to start flowing. Funding is being blocked for the following programs: Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size. English Language Acquisition (Title III-A),which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English. 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B),which support
Calling All Bilingual Changemakers - Language Magazine
Over the last three decades, the field of education in the US has experienced a growing demand for dual language and biliteracy programs. The dissemination of research that highlights the cognitive, social, and financial benefits of bilingualism is one of the main reasons that families and educators alike have been engaging in advocacy efforts for the expansion of these programs. Many states have responded to this demand by creating legislation and providing funding to expand program availability, but we know the demand will only continue to increase, and we must prepare to meet this need. The rise of biliteracy programs
Portuguese Celebrates Digitization of “Most-Spoken Language in Southern Hemisphere” - Language Magazine
The theme for this year’s celebration of World Portuguese Language Day was “the promotion and dissemination of the Portuguese language and cultural diversity of CPLP (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) member states: from traditional experiences to digital platforms,” to reflect the growing relevance of Portuguese in the digital age. Highlighted was the need to leverage technological tools, including artificial intelligence and digital media, to preserve, teach, and promote the Portuguese language across generations and borders. The Language Day also celebrated the diverse and rich cultures of the nine countries that form the CPLP, including, in Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Cape
Québec’s Bill 96 Comes into Force - Language Magazine
Despite requests from business groups to extend the compliance deadline, new rules take effect in Québec this month requiring French to be the dominant language on store signs and imposing stricter guidelines for product packaging. The changes are part of Québec’s 2022 overhaul of its French-language law, known as Bill 96, which the government said was essential to protect French in the province. Québec already requires businesses with 50 or more employees to ensure French is the dominant language in the workplace, but now that requirement is being extended to companies with 25 to 49 employees. Businesses in violation of
Time Capsule Celebrating Linguistic Diversity to Land on Moon - Language Magazine
UNESCO has partnered with an American innovation platform Barrelhand to raise awareness of the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, by sending a coin-sized nickel disk to the moon. The tiny disc is engraved with the UNESCO Constitution's preamble 'since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men and women that the defenses of peace must be constructed', translated into 286 languages. Utilizing nanofiche technology, the disc has been engineered to withstand extreme conditions for millions of years. This symbolic gesture underscores the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. 2025 is the third year of the
Participate in Global Survey on Indigenous Languages - Language Magazine
Policymakers, members of Indigenous communities, and members of civil society are invited to take part in the Global Survey on Indigenous Languages, designed by the ad hoc working groups of the Global Task Force for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/74/135) proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–32), to draw global attention to the critical situation of many Indigenous languages and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalization, and promotion. For the organization of the International Decade, UNESCO established a Global Task Force