November 9, 2016
Our sixteenth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Authentic Materials in the Language Classroom, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby discussing using authentic materials in the language classroom, from the beginning to the advanced levels, with UK Professors Ruth Brown (Hispanic Studies) and Harald Hoebusch (Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures). Topics include: resources and tips for using authentic materials in and outside the class, engagement of students and growing language skills. Also, the Pedagogical Corner features Sara Merideth, KWLA past president, talking about one of the six Core Practices: Maintaining 90% Target Language in the Classroom. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
October 3, 2016
Our fifteenth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Overhaul of the Kentucky Program Reviews, features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing with guests Kelly Clark and Alfonso de Torres Nunez from the Kentucky Department of Education the changes in process and format of the KY Program Reviews. Topics include: overall structure, reporting, and changes of the Program Reviews as well as detailed components of the Global Competency/World Language (GC/WL) Assurances and GC/WL Program Review. In the Polyglotting News, updates include state-wide efforts for the Seal of Biliteracy, Universities and Colleges happenings, and the KWLA board changes. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
September 19, 2016
Our fourteenth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, the Seal of Biliteracy, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby discussing with guest Arthur Chou of Velázquez Press aspects of the national movement to honor students with Biliteracy skills. Topics include: the background of the Seal, what the Seal is, advantages it brings to a district or state, and steps one can take towards implementation. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
August 29, 2016
Sara Merideth, president of the Kentucky World Language Association, talks about the plans for the KWLA Conference in Louisville from September 15-17, 2016. She also describes her participation in the ACTFL-sponsored Leadership Initiative for Language Learning and the 6 Core Practices of World Language Teaching that are the focus of the LILL meetings. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
July 7, 2016
Our twelfth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, News and Core Practices, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth discussing this year's Kentucky World Language Association's events and the 6 Core Practices supporting proficiency-based teaching with guests Sara Meredith, of KWLA, and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, of the University of Kentucky. Topics include: the upcoming KWLA conference, professional learning opportunities, and the World Language Showcase as well as an introduction to 6 instructional practices (such as 90% target language usage) being encouraged by ACTFL. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
April 20, 2016
Episode 11 of Language Talk features host Laura Roché Youngworth in a round-table discussion with Prof. Stayc Dubravac, Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching World Languages at the University of Kentucky, Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, Chair of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Kentucky, and Thomas Sauer, an Independent Consultant specializing in language education. The guests discuss three broad topics: challenges in the world language profession today; the role of language and global competence in the curriculum; and professional development for teachers.
February 29, 2016
Our tenth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, World Languages at the University Level, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby discussing Kentucky’s university language expectations and proficiency-based approaches with Laura McGee, of Western Kentucky University, and Brenna Byrd and Julie Human, of the University of Kentucky. Topics include: entrance requirements for Western and UK and “testing out” of a level, changes in instructional practices at the university level embracing a proficiency-based approach, and free on-line materials used at college level in French and German available for K-12 World Language teachers to use. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
January 4, 2016
Our ninth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Program Review Revisited, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth discussing updates and particulars of the new Global Competency & World Languages Program Review (PR) with Jamee Barton, Kelly Clark, and Alfonso de Torres Nuñez of the Kentucky Department of Education. Topics include: changes to the PR, triangulation and evidence, global competency, and discussion of specific Demonstrators/Characteristics. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
November 24, 2015
Our eighth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Second Language Research, features hosts Laura Roché Youngworth and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby discussing with Stayc Dubravac (MCLLC at UK) and Alan Brown (SPA at UK) their research on partial immersion programs. They share the effect of students' awareness of language structure and how this research can help in designing language programs. They report the results of a first round of research on 3rd and 5th graders in Lexington schools and their plans for ongoing study of this cohort. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
October 27, 2015
Our seventh Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Proficiency-Based Teaching, features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing with Thomas Sauer the characteristics of proficiency-based instruction. Discussion includes defining characteristics of proficiency-based instruction, assessments, and activities, steps for change towards proficiency-based instruction, and proficiency-based resources. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
October 2, 2015
Our sixth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Student Growth Goal Rubric, features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing with Jillian Lykens, Ben McMaine, and Alicia Vinson the structure and application of the Fayette County World Language Student Growth Goal Rubrics. As they discuss what influenced and guided the rubrics, they paint a picture of how the SGG rubrics differ than rubrics traditionally used for formative and summative assessments.
Accompanying this podcast is a webinar in which Jillian Lykens and Laura Roché share in more detail the rubric structures and how to implement them within the requirements of the KY's TPGES. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
August 14, 2015
Our fifth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, News and Updates for the 2015-16 School Year, features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing upcoming events sponsored by the KWLA with President Sara Meredith and President-Elect Lucas Gravitt. Topics include the KWLA conference in Louisville, KWLA opportunties for professional development and advocacy, plans for the World Language Showcase, and classroom techniques. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
May 28, 2015
Our fourth Language Talk: KWLA podcast, National Updates, features co-hosts Laura Roché Youngworth and Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby discussing with Jacque VanHouten, 2015 President of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, national issues and initiatives relevant to world language educators. Topics include current policy such as bi-lingual certification, curricular and instructional shifts, and advocacy opportunities for educators of languages. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
March 15, 2015
Our third Language Talk: KWLA podcast, Unwrapping the World Language Program Review, features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing with Alicia Vinson, Lucas Gravitt, and Lydia Kohler details of the KY Program Review. As they “unwrap” the terminology of the PR, they share their understandings of Regular and Routine, Global Competency, Job-embedded, performance goals, etc. and share examples of how these are being implemented across the state. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).

February 15, 2015
Our second Language Talk: KWLA podcast features host Laura Roché Youngworth discussing the Kentucky World Language Program Review with Jacque Van Houten, Jefferson County Public Schools World Language Consultant, and Alfonso de Torres Nunez, World Language Consultant for the KY Department of Education. They talk about the overall premise of the Program Review including its history, models of implementation, embedded concepts of global competency and 21st century skills, and the concept of Program Review as a tool for building capacity. If you have an event or idea to share on the Outreach Clearinghouse, please contact Laura Roche (laura.roche@fayette.kyschools.us) or Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby (j.rouhier@uky.edu).
January 14, 2015
Our first Language Talk podcast features host Laura Roche talking about the K-16 Collaboration Initiative with Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, Chair of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Kentucky. They talk about the goals of the Collaboration Initiative to create stronger bonds in the state among world language teachers of all levels (from K to higher ed).