Creating a Critical Mass: The CSU Strategic Languages Initiative

Biographical Notes
(not yet available)

Abstract

The CSU Strategic Language Initiative works with individual campus language departments and CSU-wide councils to achieve the following overall goals:

1) preserve and expand student access to the study of several less-commonly taught, but strategically important foreign languages,
2) promote more effective second language programs,
3) provide the knowledge to enable campuses to make informed purchases of language/learning laboratories and software, and
4) establish collaboration between the CSU and other organizations, including other public and private academic institutions and publishers.

By providing consultative, facilitative, and instructional services throughout the CSU, the Strategic Language Initiative personnel will provide a readily available and responsive resource for language departments, individual faculty, and staff for issues concerning language instruction or supporting technology. Specific services available on the programmatic side include assistance with classroom instructional techniques and software program evaluation. The technology services side will assist with language lab design, acquisition, installation and management information, lab software instruction, and systems compatibility guidance.