The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's Board of Directors endorsed the adoption of a new AACTE resolution, which addresses the preparation of all teachers for second language learners. The Association continues to examine and explore effective ways to prepare all teachers to respond to language issues in the nation's classrooms.

Whereas, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education recognizes the need for more bilingual and English as a Second Language teachers and other educators to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of second language learners;

Whereas, the need for more bilingual teachers and other educators relates to increases in the diversity of the school populations;

Whereas, teaching and learning are enhanced by responding positively to individual differences;

Whereas, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education supports and encourages the acknowledgment of bilingual and multicultural issues by other disciplines;

Whereas, educators and policymakers should conduct research that investigates factors and solutions that contribute to the assessment of linguistically diverse students;

Whereas, university-based education programs and school or district-based professional development programs should develop, support, and maintain a curriculum that addresses ethical and political issues unique to bilingual and multicultural education; and

Whereas, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education encourages and supports teacher education programs that respond to the linguistic needs of children and the local community and recognizes the importance of parental and community involvement.

Be it resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education will promote college and university-based teacher education programs that recruit, train, and support teachers of all subjects and grade levels who can meet the needs of second language learners;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education recognizes the need for and is committed to working with its members to produce more programs that educate teachers of second language learners through resources at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate level;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education will support other subject disciplines that address the issues of bilingual and multicultural education;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education supports the use and development of state and local assessments in content areas that take linguistic strengths into account and are linked to standards of learning expected of all students;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education encourages teacher education programs to provide teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to help learners who come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds achieve academic skills and English language proficiency;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education will promote and support education programs that value and seek parental and community involvement in issues of educating linguistic minority students;

Be it further resolved that:

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education encourages member institutions to provide appropriate resources and carefully designed research-based curriculum to address the needs of linguistically diverse students.

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