The Proficiency Approach

This course teaches the Proficiency Approach and the guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). By learning how to implement the Proficiency Approach using ACTFL guidelines, teachers will acquire the necessary tools to teach Hebrew as a second language.

The course begins with the Hebrew Proficiency Approach’s key concepts, which extend and strengthen teachers’ understanding of language acquisition. First, teachers will examine ACTFL guidelines, which are a description of what individuals can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations. Next, they will learn how to use these guidelines to assess and set goals for each student.

Teachers will familiarize themselves with the difference between language achievement and proficiency, and learn to create tasks, write lesson plans and develop units. In addition, teachers will be taught how to gather relevant teaching materials and write assignments according to students’ levels, interests and ages, while keeping in mind their school’s unique culture and its greater mission.

This Hebrew Proficiency Approach course provides teachers with tools to become effective decision-makers who are trained to plan, design and deliver Hebrew language curriculum for different ages and levels, and to assess and set goals for each student.