When looking for an expert to help create a resource that highlights innovative ways to engage students in Spanish language classrooms, one national textbook publisher reached out to Colonial School District’s own World Languages Department Chair, PWHS Spanish Teacher Rich Madel. 

The new companion publication to Klett World Languages’ Reporteros series focuses on Acquisition-Driven Instruction (ADI), an approach to language teaching that more closely resembles how children learn their first language—and how World Languages are taught in the Colonial School District. 

“Instead of relying primarily on memorizing vocabulary lists and complex grammar rules, students are immersed in a classroom environment where the language is comprehensible, engaging, and safe for risk-taking,” said Dr. Madel. “In many ways, this resource is an external reflection of the work our department has already been doing for quite some time.”

In Colonial’s World Language classrooms, students spend a lot of time interacting with the language in meaningful ways, such as reading and storytelling, picture and map talks, community building, and independent reading. “Over time, the language becomes something they can naturally understand and produce,” he said.

In addition to leading the World Language Department in Colonial, Dr. Madel has reinforced ADI strategies with novice and experienced teachers—locally, regionally, and nationally—through publications, conference sessions, and workshops.

By implementing ADI and similar teaching philosophies in the classroom, Colonial’s World Language Department has been recognized as one of the strongest in Pennsylvania. “I’d say it’s really a reflection of just how ‘ahead of the curve’ our team is,” said Dr. Madel. “At the end of the day, I’m confident that our students are getting the best language-learning experience we can offer.”

In writing Reporteros: ADI Companion, Dr. Madel collaborated with Maris Hawkins, a Spanish teacher in Virginia.