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Thoughtful, collaborative planning for language learning served as the theme for the 2018 STARTALK Spring Conference last weekend. At the conference, participants engaged in in-depth curriculum collaboration and review for their intensive summer programs. STARTALK, a component of the National Security Language Initiative designed to expand the teaching and learning of strategic world languages, punctuated its commitment to the growth of national instruction of these languages with its thoughtful, in-depth exploration of contemporary approaches to language learning and the updated 2017 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements.

The Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS) at the University of Oregon supports STARTALK programs through the delivery of an online language learning portfolio. This year, CASLS representatives were excited to release Pulsar, a brand-new platform designed specifically to meet STARTALK program needs. Like its predecessor, LinguaFolio Online, Pulsar is based on the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements and encourages learners to engage in deep levels of reflection regarding their growth as language learners. STARTALK programs using Pulsar will enjoy its streamlined user interface that was designed to meet the specific needs of STARTALK’s intensive summer language programs. Additionally, Pulsar integrates automatically with STARTALK curriculum planning templates, meaning educators will see all of their planning work outside of the platform appear in Pulsar without having to port the information themselves. CASLS is excited to continue growing and adapting with STARTALK, and wishes all of the STARTALK programs a stellar summer!