The new "Review Rubric": A simple yet powerful tool for strengthening heritage language programs worldwide
- HLE Network
- Aug 26
- 1 min read
August 26, 2025
A new "Review Rubric" has been published for heritage language (HL) programs worldwide, designed to help managers, teachers, and administrators reflect on their organization’s practices and spark discussion on improvement strategies.
It is simple, accessible, and will spark constructive discussions—even for programs new to self-evaluation.
A new "Review Rubric" has been published for heritage language (HL) programs worldwide. It was developed by members of the HL Global Think Tank, building on years of international collaboration to define universal principles and good practices that can guide HL programs regardless of language or location.
Who's it for?
The rubric is designed for managers, teachers, board members, and volunteers who want to reflect on their organization’s values, operations, educational offerings, and community outreach. It is simple, accessible, and will spark constructive discussions—even for programs new to self-evaluation.
Adaptable tool
The Rubric is a tool designed to accompany the International Guidelines for Professional Practices in Community-Based Heritage Language Schools (2021). Both publications are structured around the same four themes—Core Values, Organization, Educational Program, and Community Outreach—with the Rubric offering practical starting points for self-evaluation and examples of sample practices. Sample practices range from low-commitment steps to more advanced plans, depending on a program's capacity.
Local workshop in Eindhoven
As part of our 7th Annual HLE Networking Night on September 25, 2025, HLE Network will host a workshop in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, where HL educators can explore the Rubric and apply it with guidance from Alona Boitsova, a HL leader from our region with 25 years of experience running a large heritage language program.
