Foreign Language

Proficiency in languages other than English is critical in our global society. CAL’s foreign language experts focus on language education at all levels of instruction (preK-12, higher education, and adult education), with a special focus on teaching languages to children. CAL staff conduct language research, professional development for language teachers, information collection and dissemination, PreK-8 test development, and program evaluation. CAL has a long tradition of promoting early language education programs in elementary schools across the country and is known for its innovative Student Oral Proficiency Assessment (SOPA) interview for children, which includes hands-on activities and role plays to help children demonstrate their language skills.

CAL's experienced foreign language education staff

• Conduct research

• Conduct evaluations of school language programs

• Develop foreign language assessments for preK-8 students

• Adapt and revise existing language assessments to address specific curriculum goals

• Design, develop, and conduct language education surveys

• Conduct language assessment workshops for teachers and school administrators

• Collect and disseminate information on all aspects of foreign language education

New Paper Outlines Strategies for Building U.S. Foreign Language Capacity - June 2009
This paper describes the need for skilled speakers of languages other than English in the U.S. and outlines the necessary components for an effective long-term national strategy to meet that need. Read the paper. (PDF, 590 KB)

Report From the National K-12 Foreign Language Survey
NEW!

Learn more about the survey and read the executive summary.
Order online at the CAL Store.

CAL surveyed public and private elementary and secondary schools across the country to identify current patterns and shifts in foreign language education over time.

Resources Focus on Language Proficiency Assessment in Grades K-8
CAL offers innovative language proficiency assessment instruments designed to allow young students to demonstrate their highest level of performance in oral fluency, grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension. Professional development workshops for the SOPA, ELLOPA, and COPE provide training for educators on the effective use of these assessments. SOPA Online Training courses teach participants how to administer and rate students’ oral language using the SOPA. Learn more.

---

Highlighted Projects

Click on each title to learn more:

Foreign Language Assessment Directory

Understanding Assessment: A Guide for Foreign Language Educators

National K – 12 Foreign Language Survey

Assessment Training Online (ATOL)

National Capital Language Resource Center

National K – 12 Foreign Language Resource Center

The Center for Applied Linguistics is involved in a variety of projects related to foreign language education. Learn more about our other projects.

---

Publications and Resources

CAL has a variety of publications and resources related to foreign language education. Learn more.

Download our newest digests:

Oral Proficiency Assessment: The Use of Technology in Test Development and Rater Training.

Foreign Languge Immersion Programs: Features and Trends Over 35 Years.

Browse our collection of free downloadable digests related to foreign language education.