04/04/2006 20610

FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION ADVISOR 1

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional education work in providing statewide advisory services in the development, improvement and expansion of foreign language programs in Commonwealth public school districts and charter schools.

An employee in this job provides advisory and technical assistance services to local districts, intermediate units, institutions of higher education, state agencies, professional organizations and community-based programs involved in multiple language communication. Work involves planning, developing and evaluating programs to promote activities in foreign languages such as listening, speaking, reading, writing and learning the culture of ethnic groups speaking that language. Work involves assessing foreign language education at the local level, recommending instructional strategies and providing technical assistance in improving their foreign language programs. Employees conduct training sessions, workshops and conferences to disseminate information on successful practices, new curriculum materials and innovative techniques and results from experimental projects in foreign language education. Work involves assisting schools with curriculum planning and participating in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials. Work includes working with curriculum and research specialists to devise and evaluate new approaches and innovative programs in foreign language education. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by the supervisor through conferences, reports and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in the review of foreign language curriculum development, instructional strategies and classroom performance assessment in schools.

Works with local school professionals to determine specific problems with their foreign language programs and to recommend improvements.

Assists teachers and administrators to develop curricula and curriculum materials, modify existing planned instruction or change instructional approaches.

Assists in developing new approaches in foreign language education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Disseminates information on current and new practices, developments, methods and materials through articles in professional journals, department publications, internet or other media.

Develops and participates in conference programs and workshops to promote new developments, materials, and trends in foreign language education.

Works with curriculum and research specialists in the initiation, planning and conduct of studies and projects to evaluate innovative approaches and new techniques.

Provides advice to local school staff on the criteria and procedures for obtaining federal or special funds to improve their foreign language education programs or finance innovative programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the role and objectives of foreign language education in a child's educational development process.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in teaching a foreign language, including knowledge of the interrelatedness of the five key components in teaching a foreign language: communication, culture, community, comparison, and connection.

Knowledge of the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of students at the elementary and secondary level related to foreign language programs.

Knowledge of the current methods and trends in foreign language education at both the elementary and secondary level areas.

Knowledge of the importance of the culture in the teaching of foreign language.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development as applied to one or more foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels.

Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in foreign language education including their strengths and weakness with reference to children from different ages and social and cultural backgrounds.

Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research and new developments in foreign language areas.

Ability to develop curriculum materials to implement new developments and practices in foreign language education appropriate for use statewide and in individual school districts.

Ability to promote the use of different curriculum development, teaching methods and techniques and curriculum and materials in foreign language education in local schools and teacher preparation programs.

Ability to organize, develop, and conduct professional education for teachers, school administrators and others to familiarize them with foreign language education practices, methods, materials, goals and objectives.

Ability to select significant factors in diagnosing educational problems and in developing solutions suited to the appropriate school setting and implementation capabilities.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of professional experience in the field of foreign language education, including two years of experience in public schools and one year of experience in the development and implementation of foreign language education curricula or programs;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of experience in public schools and one year of experience in the development and implementation of foreign language education curricula or programs.