PSMLA GLOBAL SCHOLARS

World Language Department

Penn Manor High School

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August 2023

Promoting Interculturality in Pennsylvania’s Students

PSMLA Global Scholars Presentation Outline

1. What is the PSMLA* Global Scholars Program?
2. Why is there a need for the PSMLA Global Scholars Program?
3. How do students earn this designation? �

*Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association

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What is the PSMLA Global Scholars Program?

• Honors designation (certificate and cord at graduation)
• Recognizes students who challenge themselves by taking 4+ levels of a single world language, and who demonstrate interest in and understanding of global realities.
• Awarded upon completion of a portfolio that highlights:

- cross-curricular classwork with a focus on other cultures, and

- extracurricular activities and service focusing on other cultures.

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Programs that support and integrate world language study

1. International Baccalaureate Program(IB) (ibo.org)
2. Seal of Biliteracy (http://sealofbiliteracy.org/)
3. PSMLA Global Scholars Program

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What is the PSMLA Global Scholars Program?

• Interdisciplinary
• Incorporates all components of the World-Readiness Standards for Foreign Languages

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Source: ACTFL.org

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PSMLA Global Scholars is part of a national initiative.

• Pennsylvania is one of a number of states that are developing Global Scholars programs, in order to align with the many universities where similar programs also exist.

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The goal of the PSMLA Global Scholars Program:

to help PA’s students evolve into globally competent students with an understanding of interculturality.

• The interrelationship between language and culture
• Skills and competencies needed to function in an interconnected world

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Why is there a need for the PSMLA Global Scholars Program?

• “In the 21st Century knowing a second language is not only beneficial, but necessary for success in life.”
• “In addition to meeting the needs of future students, language learning has been shown to greatly enhance student performance across the curriculum.”

Source: PA Department of Ed

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From the PA Department of Education

“Employers and businesses are seeking applicants who can navigate the modern global economy. It is through learning another language that students can develop both these skill sets. Learning another language also provides many other benefits including greater academic achievement, greater cognitive development, and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures. Simply put, language learning is necessary for students to effectively function in the modern global marketplace.”

Source: PA Department of Ed

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International companies from all over the world are located throughout Pennsylvania.

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OCTOBER 15, 2022 PSMLA GLOBAL SCHOLARS

There are 6,549 foreign-owned locations in Pennsylvania…

… from 66 countries

… employing over 335,530 people

… in every county of PA

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Source: Pa Dept. of Community and Economic Development

Countries in red reflect those with official languages taught at PMHS.

From the PA School Code

• World language programs must prepare students to be proficient in meeting the World Language Standards issued by the Department and available on its web site.
• Every school district shall provide planned instruction in at least two languages in addition to English, at least one of which shall be a modern language, and at least one of which shall be offered in a minimum 4-year sequence in the secondary program (middle level and high school.)

Source: 22 Pa. Code § 4.25

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From the US Department of Education

• People who are globally and culturally competent are proficient in at least two languages; aware of the differences that exist between cultures; critical and creative thinkers, who can understand diverse perspectives; and able to operate at a professional level in intercultural and international contexts.
• These competencies are not isolated skills, but rather interrelated skills and areas of knowledge that are used together to enable individuals to understand the world and take action.

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MLA: Modern Language Association

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Source: Modern Language Association

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How do students earn this designation?

During high school, a student completes requirements within four components:

1. Course work:
• 4 levels of same world language at the high school level
• 4 additional credits of courses with a global nature
2. 8 literature / media reviews
3. 20 hours of community service with a global nature
4. Involvement in 4 extracurricular activities with a global focus

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Program requirements: � Courses with a B average

• 4 levels of the same world language (grades 9-12)
• 4 additional credits of globally-oriented courses, such as:
• Eastern/Western World History
• International Business
• British Literature
• AP World History
• AP Art History
• AP Comparative Government
• A second world language

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Program requirements: � Extra-curricular

• Active participation as confirmed by a sponsor in extracurricular activities (minimum of 4) such as:
• World Language Club
• School-sponsored field trips, guest speakers, activities that explore global perspectives
• Other community activity that includes a global component

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Program requirements: � Service hours

• Service (20 hours) such as:
• Tutoring in the target language
• Volunteering to lead/participate in an elementary or middle school world language activity
• Christmas caroling in the target language at local retirement/nursing facilities
• Working with English Language Learners
• Other activities of an international/global nature

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Program requirements:� Literature/media review

• Write reviews of 8 pieces of literature / media, of which at least 4 are books�
• Emphasis is on identifying:
• Cultures
• Connections
• Comparisons
• Communities

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Upon completion, a PSMLA Global Scholars Graduate may receive:

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• A PSMLA Global Scholars certificate

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• Global Scholar honor cords to wear at graduation

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