2026 NYSAFLT Annual Conference

TICKETED PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: The phase in for Checkpoint C of the Revised Learning Standards for World Languages begins in September, 2027. This workshop offers ideas and templates for designing a two-year Spanish curriculum for Checkpoint C focused on developing Intermediate Mid-High Proficiency. Following a brief overview of the nature of the learners and the proficiency goals of Checkpoint C, participants will examine two detailed thematic units to launch Level IV that will provide an engaging introduction to Checkpoint C. Participants will collaborate to brainstorm, sequence, and share possibilities for cultural contexts and thematic units to engage learners in extended sequences of proficiency growth, leading more students to the Seal of Biliteracy and beyond.

What if students participated not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted to? This interactive session explores daily, weekly, and unit-based routines that build authentic communication and connection. Grounded in the ACTFL Core Practices, participants will engage in adaptable, low-prep strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and meaningful interaction. Learn how to increase participation and create a classroom culture where students communicate with purpose and confidence.

In this era of multi-tasking, never-ending phone usage, internet sites, computers, tablets, and technology use at everybody’s fingertips, along with markets which are competing for people’s time and presence, it seems like educators are constantly fighting for students’ attention. Instead of trying to get their attention, we should be commanding and directing it to the content to be learned in and outside of the classroom. Recognizing that technology is here to stay, this workshop will be an exploration of how technology has encroached attention and memory, and a dialogue where we can explore how to regain the mental presence of our students in our classes; how technology can be helpful to student learning, but also what the dangers of overusing it could be.

This interactive session invites world language educators to explore practical strategies that spark curiosity and build confidence among novice learners. By the end of the workshop, participants will take away a toolkit of adaptable strategies that prioritize engagement, reflection, technology integration, and cultural inclusivity—essential components for nurturing confident, communicative novice learners in any world language classroom.