--- Forwarded Message from Roberto Perez <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 20:50:51 -0400
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Roberto Perez <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #9154 Native Speakers in foreign Languages
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>

At 07:55 PM 5/17/2009, "Roosa, Kathy" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>[...]
>I am wondering how your foreign language departments handle native
>speakers in foreign language classes. [...]
>
>Also, could you recommend a listserve for foreign language instructors
>or chairs? I would like the faculty to get involved in one. Thanks!
>
>[...]


Kathy,

At my previous institution, "heritage" speakers could CLEP out of a 
class and be moved to upper level classes, where they were more 
challenged by the advanced content. Also, heritage speakers normally 
have lower writing skills (or none at all) because they have not been 
schooled in the target language educational system, so any class that 
develops their writing skills (e.g., composition, literature, film, 
etc.) are classes where they would find themselves challenged. For 
native speakers, a school certificate from an educational system 
where the target language is the official language could be used 
instead of the CLEP examination to determine adequate language level.

I don't know if letting students jump levels would work in your 
institution. My current institution has different rules in place, so 
in some situations, CLEP exams (or any other standardized exam, for 
that matter) would not work out.

Regarding lists for foreign language teachers, the one I can 
recommend (I know other list members are also subscribed to that 
list) is FLTEACH (http://www.cortland.edu/FLTEACH/). It's a pretty 
active list and it serves instructors of a variety of foreign languages.

Regards,

Roberto Perez Galluccio, PhD
Director,
Foreign Language Technology Center
Rochester Institute of Technology
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(585) 475-4181