Video resource: "Speak YOUR Languages"

[Scott G. McGINNIS]

With thanks to Donna Christian of CAL for this tip....

Highline Public Schools (Seattle, WA) has developed a program 
for students and a set of videos designed to motivate 
students, especially heritage language speakers, to maintain 
and develop their skills in languages other than English. 

The series is called Speak YOUR Languages, and the videos 
profile bilingual professionals whose language ability led 
them to exciting careers.

Featured in the videos are an international baseball scout, 
producers of games for world markets, a court interpreter, a 
promoter of international trade, counselors aiding 
immigrants, a police officer who became city mayor, and a 
freelance translator.  These individuals motivate students 
with reflections of their own background and how they turned 
their bilingual skills into a career advantage.

You can learn more about the videos at:  
www.speakyourlanguages.com 
Highline Public Schools educators are also piloting a Student 
Interpreter program where bilingual students train for a 
semester and then provide interpreting services to the 
schools and community. It was this project that led to the 
development of the Speak YOUR Languages videos to encourage 
students to work hard to improve their language skills.

If you are interested in the Student Interpreter program and 
its associated training course, the Highline Public Schools 
would like to learn more about your organization and your 
interest in this project.  E-mail them at 
speakyourlanguages at hsd401.org and they will respond with 
additional information.