BENEFITS OF STUDY FOR ALL AGES

The cognitive skills developed in second language acquisition have been well-documented. For example a recent article points to evidence as to how knowing two languages enhances word prediction and word/object memory.

Below are some documents to help you explore the benefits of studying LATIN and GREEK at any level.

You can also find specific resources reinforcing the value of young learners taking Elementary and Middle School Latin.

Our Past Advocacy Chair, Ted Zarrow, spoke out on his views about the value of language study!

*  Dr. Zarrow, a Massachusetts Latin teacher, was named ACTFL National Teacher of the Year for 2016! 

With many thanks to ACTFL for permission, here is Dr. Zarrow's interview in The Language Educator, 

published in the Spring of 2016.  He speaks about the importance of language study and advocacy.

Below are some documents and resources that reflect on the value of taking courses in Latin and Greek Studies.

Important Note:

1) Please use the latest versions of downloads and DISCARD OLDER DOCUMENT versions from your files. Some docs are edited & updated OFTEN.

2) Please pick fliers appropriate for the age and needs of your different recipients.

3) Please read content carefully and discern the best fit for your needs.

THANK YOU!

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Why Latin for Young Students?

Why Latin for Home Schools?

Why Latin at Upper Levels?

You can satisfy standards 

while teaching a valuable language 

that also builds skills for students at all ages!

Latin is being taught in public, private, magnet, charter, 

homeschool, universities, and even correctional settings.

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LATIN CAN HAVE BENEFITS FOR ALL 

Some valuable and transferable skills for all students include:

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*Enlarged vocabulary and range of expressions. 

*Improved  reading comprehension 

*Enhanced writing skills.

EXPOSURE TO LATIN MAKES SENSE

~ Over 50% of all English words are formed from LATIN.

~ 10% more are formed from GREEK.

~ 90%  of academic, career, and professional vocabulary are formed from LATIN and GREEK word roots, prefixes and suffixes.

~ Latin courses satisfy many goals mentioned in Standards, Frameworks, Common Core, and 21st Century Skills.

(Common Core is still the base of, or similar to, many state standards under ESSA. Check your state and district.

Click here for a Common Core annotated version. )

Latin courses also include study of Greco-Roman  

history, art, and culture. This culture and its extensive 

literature are connected to the heritage of over a

billion people in 57+ countries on 4 continents.

Studying the Roman multicultural world can

also offer students insights into the origins or long

history of some modern situations and the comparison

of historical events and cultural realities over time 

can lead to productive discussions of social justice issues.

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Why Latin? When to Start?

Latin and Young Learners: Check out these additional fliers!

Why Latin in Middle School

Study Develops Language Skills

Valuable and Transferable Skills For All Students

The Value of Latin, Some Perspectives (2021, Katie Robinson)

College-bound? 

Want to build skills for college and careers?

Latin offers valuable skills for many careers!

Valuable and Transferable Skills 

~ communication

~ critical thinking

~ analysis

~ nuance and detail

~ differing perspectives

~ STEAM crossovers

Kiplinger Report ranked Classics #16 out of the 102 College Majors for leading to excellent and satisfying careers! (latest online article 2019) 

See information from various universities on value of study for careers and opportunities for post-graduate work.

And students of Latin and Classics Majors have a long history of strong correlation to very good standardized test scores (per SAT, ETS-GRE data).

THE SEAL OF BILITERACY

The Graduation Seal of Biliteracy

Encourages All Students to Pursue Another Language

And Respects First Language Proficiency

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, school district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages, including English, by high school graduation. Our vision is to help students recognize the value of their academic success and see the tangible benefits of being bilingual.

Why Implement It?

The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.

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The Seal of Biliteracy now offers a digital profile to recipients!

NEW! 2024 report on Seal implementations across the nation!

and 

We have available a multi-page infographic

on the State Seal of Biliteracy here from the OLEA.

(12/2023 version)

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Mike Levin, a California House Representative

congratulates Seal of Biliteracy recipients in his CA-49 District.

VIEW IT on our NCLG server HERE.(2min)

Or go to: tinyurl.com/RepLevinSealofBiliteracy

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NEWSBRIEF

As of February 2024 South Dakota became the 50th state.

ALL STATES NOW HAVE A SEAL PROGRAM !!

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As of June 8, 2022, ALASKA became the 49th state

to formally adopt the Seal of Biliteracy!

(See the tweet shared below about Alabama which became state #48)

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PLEASE SUPPORT THE JNCL AND THE SEAL INITIATIVE, BECAUSE THEY …..

Advocate for the right of all students to study a second language

Recognize the benefits of multilingualism in the US

Advocate for all language professionals

      Through JNCL we work together on  ….

Federal funding to aid new BEST Act for all 50 states – (Seal of Biliteracy)

Funding the World Language Readiness grants

Getting Congress members to recognize and join ALC

Funding for Teacher Quality Partnership (Title II grants to train K-12 teachers; many have been language teachers)

Funding Title VI Fulbright Hays, Paul Simon Study Abroad, and International Studies grants

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NCLG Supports the Increased Equity in JNCL-NCLIS' New Seal Legislation BEST Act 

“The revised BEST Act is a statement by its sponsors, Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Senator Brian Schatz, that multilingualism is an asset to be recognized for students and should be available equitably to all learners, especially English language learners and heritage learners,” said Amanda Seewald, Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS). “This bill’s emphasis on implementing Seal of Biliteracy programs broadly in school districts across the nation will help students acquire the skills they need for college, career, and life, and uplift the languages that are central to identity for so many. JNCL-NCLIS has been honored to work on this legislation with such dedicated legislators and look forward to its passage.”

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced a revised version of the Biliteracy Education and Seal Teaching (BEST) Act. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The revised language included in this bill would establish, within the U.S. Department of Education, a program to support state and local implementation of Seal of Biliteracy programs. This new BEST Act would also require state grantees to provide subgrants to school districts so that they can launch, expand and scale local Seal of Biliteracy programs. This legislation also includes new language that requires states to ensure: equitable access to Seal programs for students with disabilities; the inclusion of American Sign Language as well as Native American languages in state Seal of Biliteracy programs; and outreach about Seal programs to elementary school and middle grade students, including heritage language learners and English learners.  

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NEW! Implementing the Seal: Practical Advice for Latin Teachers

Our new NCLG member Brian Compton has presented a webinar for the American Classical League, as well as led a session at ACL Institute '23.

We are pleased to share links to his webinar recording and numerous resources, including handouts, his slide deck, and notes.

He covers everything you need to know to promote and successfully initiate a Seal of Biliteracy program at your school or district for Latin students. 

If you plan to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy at a private or public school, here is the page to check on the tests that Global Seal accepts. 

Here is where you can check out your state's information if you want to see what tests they will accept - just find your state on the map and click it!

Webinar recording

More resources

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ON THE SEAL OF BILITERACY FOR LATIN

Graduating students may apply for a Seal of Biliteracy in Latin. The guidelines for awarding the Seal may differ between states or districts, but your state or district board of education website should have details. There are several methods and  instruments in place for showing a student’s qualification for the Latin Seal, including IB and AP results, the ALIRA test from ACTFL. Any one or a combination of these may apply in your area. The National Latin Exam results may also be admitted as a secondary source in some districts.

EXCITING NEWS FOR COLLEGES!

ACTFL has approved the use of LTI’s ALIRA proficiency tests for Higher Ed students!

Set up a chat with Dr. Quinlan 

PLUS: Have your Latin students apply for

the NEW Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship until May 31

A 2023-2024 update on ALIRA can be found HERE.

Find further information on the ALIRA assessment HERE. The ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) is a computer-adaptive test that assesses students' ability to read and comprehend a variety of Latin-language texts. Rated according to the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners, it is designed for middle and high school aged students. General information link: https://www.languagetesting.com/actfl-latin-interpretive-reading-assessment. Link to a demo of the ALIRA: https://alirademo.actfltesting.org/  Link to order the ALIRA: https://www.languagetesting.com/contact-us/sales

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SEAL

Here is a collaborative presentation given at ACTFL Convention 2020 that outlines all the current information about the Seal. Other information can be found at actfl.org HERE. 

 There is a spreadsheet of information by state as of January 2020, but please check with your state D.O.E. for updates.

Guidelines for  Implementing the Seal of Biliteracy are HERE or at:

https://www.actfl.org/news/seal-of-biliteracy-updated-implementation-guidelines-focus-on-equity-and-expansion 

Seal of Biliteracy for High School Graduates – check out their social stream!

https://sealofbiliteracy.org/

THE GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY

The Global Seal of Biliteracy was developed to allow more schools to participate and to recognize different levels of increasing proficiency with a globally recognized recipient database.

They explain,"The State Seal of Biliteracy movement has swept across the United States since it was first created in the State of California in 2011. Today, a majority of states offer a State Seal of Biliteracy to provide recognition for students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language. However, in most states, private, charter, independent, college, and homeschoolers are not eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. The Global Seal realizes the value of language credentials and was established to provide an opportunity for ALL language user and students to earn recognition for their language proficiency skills. The Global Seal of Biliteracy by design is inclusive, embracing all languages and learners, with the intent to provide equal access and expanded opportunity."

In Memoriam

Dr. Emily Batinski

View her public obituary here.

All present and past members of the National Committee for Latin and Greek salute the professional dedication of Dr. Emily Batinski. She obtained her PhD at the University of Colorado in 1983 and became an Associate Professor of Classics at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where she also served for 15 years as Chair of Foreign Languages. Dr.Batinski served more than a decade as the Treasurer of the NCLG and faithfully offered support to many colleagues. We offer her relatives and her professional ‘family’ our deepest sympathies.

 

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In Memoriam

Senator Paul S. Sarbanes

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The National Committee for Latin and Greek offers condolences to the family and colleagues of Senator Sarbanes.

We honor both his accomplishments and his support of our profession.

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The Society for Classical Studies mourns the recent loss of Senator Paul S. Sarbanes in a news release HERE.

The following article which was posted by Adam Blistein and Sheila Murnaghan on December 18, 2020. 

Obituaries like this one from the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/paul-sarbanes-dead.html   give a full picture of his life of distinguished public service, including his five terms representing the State of Maryland as an exceptionally well-informed, honorable, and self-effacing member of the US Senate.  Intensely proud of his Greek heritage (he was the son of immigrants who ran a Greek restaurant on Maryland’s Eastern Shore), and of the accomplishments of his classicist wife, the late Christine Dunbar Sarbanes, he was a great friend to classical studies in general and to the SCS in particular.  Paul and Christine Sarbanes served as co-chairs of the Society's Gateway Campaign for Classics from 2005 to 2013, and themselves made a generous donation to the Campaign. The Society for Classical Studies expresses its deepest sympathy to the Sarbanes family.

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Special Announcement

In Memoriam

Dr. Keely Lake

Dr. Keely Kirsten Lake, Chair of NCLG, passed away unexpectedly in January. Keely was well known for her work in many Classics and World Language organizations, and her unexpected passing was as much a loss to the whole profession as it was to her friends and colleagues. Her pleasant demeanor often belied her fierce passion for studying the ancient world, her desire to share what she knew, and her absolute dedication to supporting the future generations of students and teachers. Looking back over her career, one is struck by the depth and breadth of her participation in the work of the Classics profession at all levels, from elementary to university!

 She taught Greek, Latin, and AP Seminar and Research at Wayland Academy, as well as serving as visiting, online, and adjunct professor of Mythology, Ancient History, and Latin Literature at Cornell College, Gettysburg, Ripon, Wayne State, Montclair, University of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota.  From her early years earning her Ph.D. at the University of Iowa to the end of her life, Keely was consistently and fully engaged in attending and participating in a wide range of local, state, regional, and national conferences. She offered over 60 presentations, reviewed dozens of book and articles, published study guides, led workshops, sat on panels, served on countless committees, managed websites, held offices, and vigorously extolled the value Latin and Greek to state and national Congressmen on language advocacy days. Her commitments stretched simultaneously through an extensive web of organizations like ACL, CAMWS, SCS, Vergilian Society, Eta Sigma Phi, NCLG, JNCL-NCLIS, ACTFL and several Wisconsin language associations and the Wisconsin Junior Classical League. She also supported the Women’s Classical Caucus, the NLE, and edited for the Teaching Classical Languages journal. Her service was recognized by her peers when Keely earned a CAMWS Ovatio in 2011, and later was awarded a  2017 Recognition of Merit and a 2019 Distinguished Language Educator by the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers.

 In the words of colleagues, we can clearly feel the impact she made on the Classics profession.  The American Classical League named the organization’s Advocacy Award in her honor. The NJCL-NCLIS Board wrote, “Keely was a wonderful colleague, a passionate language advocate and, as a person, she was devoted to her students and…her father.” CAMWS President, Anne Groton, commented on how Keely “found it difficult to say no to serving the profession.” Once Keely told her, “This sounds like a big job…Still, I know that I will learn a lot by doing it, so I will take it on!” Anne Groton continued, “When it came to promoting the Classics, (Keely) was coach, cheerleader and quarterback, all rolled into one!...it was so easy for her to bridge the gap between K-12 teacher and college professor, living, as she did, in both of these worlds at once.” Helen Cullyer, Executive Director of the SCS, similarly remarked, “though many people talk about the need for more collaboration between the K-12 and higher education sectors, Keely was one of the people who really worked hard to make those connections and collaborations. It is hard for me to imagine right now who might take her place in doing so.”  Jim O’Hara of the Vergilian Society stated, “(Keely) was the glue that held the Society together, both as an administrator and as a valuable voice on the Executive Committee. One’s first thought is that she will be irreplaceable.”

 Finally, on accepting her Distinguished Language Educator award, Keely herself aptly reflected on her life path, “I hope that others will see that they too can expand their skills, find a path and conquer new horizons. They can learn to think deeply about a wide range of issues and to communicate with anyone, even long dead Romans and Greeks through text or art or architecture, and they can apply what they learned to future experiences. In the end, I suppose that my philosophy of teaching is also my philosophy of life. Perfect means finished, and I will never be.”

                 Posthumously, Keely Lake was awarded the ACL Merita Award in 2020 and the ACL renamed their  ACL Advocacy Award in her honor.

Announcing the NCLG National Initiative

"L.I.F.T."

LATIN: Inspiring Future Teachers

Since 2003, the National Committee for Latin and Greek has sponsored an important national initiative to encourage high school Latin students, university Classics majors and graduates to choose a career in teaching.

The NCLG sponsors this initiative as a cooperative venture with the American Classical League, the Society for Classical Studies, and with additional support of various regional and state classical organizations. We wish to engage all Classicists at all levels of instruction in the business of outreach among students to insure that our Latin, Greek, and Classics classrooms have all the teachers they need. ACTFL is partnering with Educators Rising to directly address and combat the current world language teacher shortage in the United States. The aim of this program is to help teachers expose their students to the incredible possibilities that teaching a world language can bring. Get started exploring a career in language teaching today with their "Get Inspired" modules. 

The future of our profession literally depends upon recruiting, training, and mentoring future generations of teachers, instructors and professors. Some areas have shortages of qualified Latin teachers and there are always reports of programs that are discontinued because a new teacher cannot be easily found. We want to help change this! Our future teachers need to reflect the cultural diversity of American classrooms, embrace “Latin for All,” and continue to create methodologies to address the wide spectrum of students we wish to reach today.

L.I.F.T. Mini-grants

The NCLG creates publicity via social media and website articles, to highlight the need for future teachers. The NCLG also offers mini-grants to help schools and organizations fund local outreach activities where they can inform prospective candidates about the value of choosing a teaching career.

Why not plan a luncheon, mixer, career fair booth, or fun group activity? Create an opportunity for Latin, Greek, or Classics teachers to share with students about the rewards and benefits of a teaching career! Need funds? Apply for a mini-grant!

Click here or below for application for Inspiring Future Teachers Mini-grants. The application may be submitted at any time during the school year, but the activity must occur in that same school year. Schools or organizations may submit an application every other year.

Applicants must 1) be current ACL or SCS members, 2) be able to show how the requested funds will be used to cover expenses, 3) be willing to write a brief report on the resulting event.

Here are a few example activities for which mini-grants were given in the past.  But be creative!

• Latin Club or Department holds a panel of high school and college teachers to discuss what it is like to teach today with current students.
• Student teachers are invited in to speak  about their experiences to undergrads at a pizza party or luncheon
• Advanced level high school Latin students take a bus to visit a nearby university with a Latin credentialing program.
• College department holds a Career Day Starbucks party for all Classics majors to talk with teachers at elementary, middle, high school levels.
• Students “chalk" the campus sidewalks during National Classics Week (in April) with quotes and other messages proclaiming the importance of teaching Latin or put up flyers and posters all around campus.
• University hosts local high school seniors for a “Latin Day” at their department office.
• High school Latin students go to visit a local university and speak to professors as well as graduate students preparing to get a teaching credential.
• High school Latin Club hosts 2 university majors for a dinner at their school for a Q and A session.
• Discuss with advanced students the Kiplinger Report on 25 most valuable careers (Classics is #16 of over 100 considered careers) and create bookmarks encouraging students to become Classics teachers.
• Latin club looks over various university websites with articles on the value of Classics to various careers and value of a teaching career. They publish a newsletter for all Latin/Classics students, with information from the various articles.

Application: for LIFT Grant HERE