Professional Development Symposium for Language Educators: Advancements in the Assessment of Russian and Other Slavic Languages

Dear colleagues,

We invite you to join us for the one-day symposium devoted to language assessment in Russian and other Slavic languages. 

This event will bring together language educators, researchers, and graduate students to explore innovative, equitable, and interdisciplinary assessment practices that support learning and align curricula with proficiency standards.

🎤 Keynote: Dr. Benjamin Rifkin, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Considerations for Future Directions of Language Assessment 

💬 Roundtable: Discussions led by Dr. Liya Zalaltdinova & Dr. Dmitrii Pastushenkov (Harvard University), featuring:

• Automated Russian Language Assessment (Dr. Olesya Kisselev, USC)
• Feminist Assessment (Dr. Veta Chitnev, UBC)
• Feedback & Ungrading (Dr. Evgeny Dengub, USC)

🛠 Workshop: Hands-on session with Dr. Kit Pribble (Wake Forest University) on using generative AI in language assessment—practical applications and tools included!

This in-person event is organized by the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures at Harvard University and is sponsored by the Provostial Fund at Harvard University.

More information, a full conference program, and further details about the speakers can be found at the conference website.

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Slavic Department at 617-495-4065 or slavic@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the university will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.