The abilities of multilingual students should be recognized and validated through proper credentialing. While world language programs offer tests to measure language ability, these opportunities typically fall outside of CTE programming as most students forgo a world language due to credit limitations when enrolled in a CTE program. fl. By providing avenues to certify their language skills, we can ensure that students from diverse language backgrounds, often from underserved populations, receive equitable recognition for their abilities.
What Upper Bucks did to support multilingual students
To address the untapped opportunity of leveraging language ability for career opportunities, UBCTS and Language Testing International developed a framework for implementing language credentialing in CTE, available to students regardless of how, when, or where they acquired their language ability. Recognizing language proficiency as a vital skill and a significant asset in the workforce, Michael Herrera, executive director at UBCTS, provides his CTE students from all backgrounds with equal access to economic mobility and employment opportunities through an industry-recognized credential.
Research has indicated that multilingual individuals earn, on average, 5%-20% more than their monolingual peers. Language credentialing can be a direct pathway to increased employability and economic mobility.
Why it matters
The need for multilingualism in the workforce is critical. A 2019 report from ACTFL revealed that one in four U.S. employers lost work due to a lack of foreign language skills, despite nearly all (90%) indicating a reliance on employees with skills other than English. Sectors with the highest need for multilingual candidates include manufacturing, hospitality, professional services, and health care.
The Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum highlighted the growing importance of multilingualism. It was ranked among the top 20 skills needed in the workforce. World Economic Forum predicted its importance to grow by 38% from 2023 to 2027. This is particularly relevant in industries like electronics, chemicals, personal services, government, media and entertainment, sports, and oil and gas.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Raise the Bar initiative seeks to “lift up communities, unite people around student success, strengthen our democracy, grow our economy, and empower people everywhere to realize their dreams.” At a recent employer summit, the Department emphasized the importance of multilingualism, the need for language credentialing, and the economic impact of an increasingly multilingual and multi-literate labor force.
By implementing language certification in CTE programs, institutions can help students leverage their multilingual abilities and significantly enhance their employability, ensuring they are well equipped for the demands of today’s workforce.
Credentials and distinctions for multilingual students
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- The Seal of Biliteracy is a distinction for students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation, providing evidence of skills attractive to employers and college admissions offices.
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- ACTFL developed a proficiency scale that evaluates language ability in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. ACTFL assessments support academic placement, student assessment, program evaluation, professional certification, hiring, and promotional qualification, with over one million tests administered annually in more than 120 languages in 60+ countries.
Framework and implementation
UBCTS and LTI developed the “language as an asset” framework. This includes comprehensive assessment tools and targeted training for CTE support staff to identify students with the necessary linguistic competencies. The implementation guide includes these steps:
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- Identify a point person to manage test ordering and score delivery.
- Inform families and obtain permission for student participation, if required.
- Recruit students by reviewing enrollment data, home language surveys, and demographic information.
- Set up testing accounts and prepare for testing, including ordering headsets and performing system checks.
- Schedule testing days and reserve a quiet space for testing.
- Administer a test demo to familiarize students with the process.
- Administer tests over multiple days to avoid test fatigue and scheduling challenges.
- Celebrate students’ achievements by recognizing their language certification in senior awards ceremonies or celebration events.
Objectives
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- Establish language proficiency as important. Recognize and promote language skills as vital for career success across various industries.
- Develop comprehensive language assessment tools. Implement standardized assessments to measure students’ language abilities.
- Integrate language training into CTE curricula. Embed language instruction within CTE programs to ensure students develop technical and linguistic competencies.
- Create a credentialing system. Develop a certification system to validate and recognize students’ language skills, offering credentials such as the Seal of Biliteracy and official ACTFL certificates.
Michael Herrera, Ed.D.
Jennifer Dobberfuhl Quinland, Ph.D.
