(ACTFL, USA)

Dr Ray T Clifford

FIPLV is pleased to recognize the many accomplishments of Dr. Ray T. Clifford in the field of language teaching, learning, and assessment by awarding him the FIPLV International Award. Dr. Clifford’s contributions to the field include transforming language teaching to focus on a proficiency approach, aligning curriculum, assessment and instruction to focus on learner outcomes, developing language tests using innovative validation methods, and contributing to language policy and effective procedures for increasing the language capacity both in the U.S. and internationally. He has served the international language field with his research, publications, and professional presentations. He has been a powerful voice for positive change and in promoting international understanding and the development of global competence.

His devoted colleagues call him the Godfather of the proficiency movement in the U.S., the consensus builder, who was needed to bring the language field together on this very important issue—defining and articulating the goal of language programs that would truly reform language teaching and learning in the U.S. and would bring us into the global arena as a player in developing linguistic and cultural competence. The language field is indebted to Dr. Ray T. Clifford for his numerous contributions and steadfast commitment to making a difference in how languages are taught, learned, and assessed.