2004 Annual Report, Commission on Language

The Commission on Language continues to work toward developing more informed teachers and teacher educators about the importance of understanding language as the foundational tool for all learning. During its 2003 meeting, the Commission on Language established two short-term goals: to review NCTE resolutions that support the Students' Right to Their Own Language resolution that was affirmed by NCTE at the 2003 convention; and, to prepare program proposals for the 2004 convention. The review of resolutions is in progress, and the program proposals were completed and submitted.

The Commission on Language decided to focus its long-term efforts on supporting the Students' Right to Their Own Language (SRTOL) via two publications, one that focuses on research and one on pedagogical support for SRTOL. The main reason for focusing on SRTOL is that such a focus would allow the Commission to address continued concerns over a) gaps in teacher knowledge about how to address the needs of English Language and Second Dialect Learners, b) the effects of globalization on language pedagogy; and c) the impact of No Child Left Behind legislation on current educational policies and teaching practices. All were considered avenues for reversing positive steps toward improving language/language arts theory, research, practice, and educational policies.

Considerable progress has been made toward attaining the long-term goals of the Commission. The two book proposals are in their final stages of development. To reach this point, two sub-committees of the Commission have completed the following tasks:

Plans for future work include:

Jerrie Cobb Scott, Director