You may have heard in December of 2024 year two parents filed a class-action lawsuit against renowned early literacy educators Calkins, Fountas and Pinnell, along with their publishers, complaining that their texts and pedagogical approaches were failing kids.

As world language teachers, we all use various aspects of culture to enrich our curriculum and engage our students. My love of French began in another era in classrooms where grammar ruled the day. My true appreciation of languages truly blossomed when I spent time in France and was immersed in the language and culture.

Watch the panel discussion on French culture and language in Louisiana from our recent Proficiency Talks Live session.

As language educators, we take pride in integrating culture and language. We understand the importance of being understood in terms of the words we use in light of the products, practices, and perspectives of the target culture. Too often, culture is seen as an aside in the classroom and not integrated into every aspect of what we teach, but our profession is changing that.

Between September 15 and October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the people of Hispanic origin within the United States.