LinguaFolio is a three-part tool where those who are learning or have learned a language can record and reflect on their language learning and cultural experiences.  It documents language abilities for a variety of uses and should accompany language learning throughout life.

1. Language Passport
   An overview of experiences and ability with different languages.  It can be updated frequently and records formal qualifications and diplomas and self-assessments.  A copy of this document can accompany job applications and transcripts.
2. Language Biography
   A record of personal language learning history that helps to evaluate learning goals, and reflect on language learning and cultural experiences.
3. Dossier
   A physical or electronic collection of work samples and certificates chosen by the individual to document and illustrate language skills, experiences and achievements.

European Language Portfolio

The Council of Europe has worked since 1991 to create a common approach to language learning.  This work has lead to the creation of three successive landmark documents:

1. European Frame of Reference
   A common description of language learning accepted in over 20 countries.
2. Common Scale of Reference
   A scale allowing comparison of achievement and progress of language learners throughout Europe.  It describes globally what the learner can do at six levels.  It is written in positive terms and can be subdivided to describe more incremental progress.
3. European Language Portfolio
   A three-part tool suitable for documenting language abilities for various uses.  It belongs to the language learner and he/she can use it to record and reflect on his/her language learning and cultural experiences.  This common assessment tool is used for all European languages and accepted as the standard by government and business.

Goals of European Language Portfolio

• Add value to language learning
• Promote plurilingualism
• Encourage reflection on achievement
• Contribute to mobility in Europe for workers and students

• Increased student motivation
• Increased student self-confidence
• More active learners
• Improved relations between learner/teacher
• More time spent thinking about learning
• Greater teacher creativity
• Increased focus on communication
• More informed parents
• Greater realization of language use in community

• Realize common goals of European Language Portfolio
• Make language learning more clearly understood by those other than language educators
• Document individual performance
• Align with internationally accepted criteria
• Facilitate articulation among language programs
• Recognize and value heritage languages
• Serve as a tool to assess language learning
• Promote language learning as a life-long endeavor

Virginia was one of several states to independently develop a version of LinguaFolio.  In developing LinguaFolio Virginia, a team of educators aligned the self-assessment criteria to the proficiency and performance guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the European Language Portfolio, the Virginia Standards of Learning, and the U.S. National Foreign Language Standards.  LinguaFolio Virginia continues the third year of its pilot program for secondary and university students.

In early 2005 Virginia joined with North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to form a consortium.  A Memorandum of Understanding among these states was signed by the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction, on September 2, 2005.  This agreement has lead to the joint development of LinguaFolio, based on LinguaFolio Virginia and supported by NCSSFL and ACTFL as a national initiative.  The recent addition of Kentucky to the consortium has lead to the on-going development of an elementary/middle school version, LinguaFolio, Jr., based on LinguaFolio Kentucky!, piloted in Kentucky elementary and middle schools since 2003.

Virginia is in its third year of piloting LinguaFolio Virginia.  Since the 2004-2005 school year approximately 60 Virginia foreign language educators have enrolled in the pilot program.  Teachers may choose to pilot LinguaFolio Virginia or the slightly modified LinguaFolio with their students. 

For more information about these programs, please contact foreign language specialist Helen Small at Helen.Small@doe.virginia.gov or 804-225-3666, or refer to the appropriate Web page:

LinguaFolio Virginia
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Language/linguafolio/index.shtml

LinguaFolio
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/linguafolio/
http://www.ncssfl.org/links/index.php?linguafolio

LinguaFolio, Jr.  (under development)
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/linguafolio/junior.html