Celebrating Excellence in Language Education at Hopkins

At Hopkins School, the Modern Language Department continues to build on its commitment to excellence in language education. On April 8, faculty from the Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish programs gathered for a full-day departmental retreat aimed at enhancing student proficiency and enriching the curriculum at all levels.

Led by nationally recognized World Language consultant Lea Graner Kennedy, the retreat provided faculty with the opportunity to engage in dynamic, hands-on sessions centered on proficiency-based instruction and authentic assessment. Ms. Kennedy, whose work spans from Connecticut to international schools abroad, guided teachers through best practices in curriculum design, language functions, and performance-based evaluation using the ACTFL 2024 Proficiency Guidelines and Can-Do Statements.

Throughout the day, teachers reviewed student work, collaborated on instructional strategies, and aligned their instruction with national and international standards, including the Seal of Biliteracy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The retreat reflects Hopkins’ ongoing investment in a language program that empowers students not only to achieve linguistic fluency but also to build intercultural understanding and global citizenship. The Modern Language Department continues to set a high standard for excellence in teaching, preparing students to engage confidently and compassionately in a multilingual world.