Browse best practices

Bridging Spanish language barriers in Southern schools

These articles provide background on Latino immigrants in North Carolina, administrative challenges in binational education, and strategies through which teachers can build on what Latino students bring to their classrooms to create a learning environment that meets the needs of all students.

Format: series (multiple pages)

Climbing the school ladder: A challenging task for immigrant Latino students

In Bridging Spanish language barriers in Southern schools, page 1.1

Teachers play a critical role when helping immigrant children adjust to a new school life. Because immigrants' backgrounds and experiences are so diverse, it is important for teachers no to make assumptions and to get to know individual children.

By Magda Corredor.

Greeting your limited English proficient students in their own language

Even a simple "Hello" or "How are you today?" can help to integrate a student into a new environment. This article offers strategies and tools for teachers wishing to learn a few words of a new language.

Format: article

By Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D..

LinguaFolio training modules

In these LinguaFolio training modules, learn to use this language portfolio tool to help students assess their language competencies, document their intercultural activities, and become reflective and autonomous in their language learning.

Format: book (multiple pages)

Play in the multilingual classroom

In Bridging Spanish language barriers in Southern schools, page 2.3

Unstructured play is an important way for young children to make social and cultural connections. It also fosters language development and literacy skills for both English language learners and native English speakers.

Format: article

By Kristin De Soto Madson.

Using technology to teach foreign languages: Teacher of the Year Jessica Garner shares secrets

This article, the product of an interview with North Carolina's 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year, shares tips and best practices for engaging students by integrating technology into teaching. Includes links to tools, products, and websites recommended by Ms. Garner.

Format: article/best practice

By Dan Lewandowski.

Why study a foreign language?

Foreign language study enhances academic skills, raises SAT scores, and prepares students for careers.

By Bernadette Morris.

Resources on the web

Alliance for Language Learning

As the Voice of Foreign Languages for the state of North Carolina, the Alliance for Language Learning actively advocates on issues relating to foreign language education. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: Alliance for Language Learning, Inc.

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Advocacy materials for teaching and learning foreign languages. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Barahona Center for the Study of Books in Spanish for Children and Adolescents

(Learn more)

Format: website

Provided by: California State University San Marcos - Kellogg Library

Mariposa Stories Project Resources for Teachers and Students

The Mariposa Stories Project is designed to improve literacy in both English and Spanish through books for young children. The bilingual books also aid in fostering and further developing cultural awareness and appreciation. The books capture... (Learn more)

Format: website

Provided by: Duke University, Spanish Language Program

NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes: School Teachers

This site provides information on awards to full-time teachers and home-schooling parents to attend institutes and seminars on a variety historical and literary topics. Award amounts vary depending on the length of the program. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

North Carolina Center for South Asia Studies

An interinstitutional research center which provides community outreach to K-12 schools in the area of South Asian studies. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: Duke University

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

The official site offers links to curriulum, policy, consultants, services and news from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: NC DPI

North Carolina Japan Center

A statewide resource which promotes "mutual understanding and closer relations between the people of North Carolina and Japan in academic, business, cultural, educational, scientific, and technical matters, to the benefit of our state and its people." (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Stanford ELL Video Library

Multimedia materials for courses and professional development seminars related to educating English language learners (ELLs) in the regular classroom. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: Stanford University School of Education ELL Certification