#26In this episode we are take on the question that we often get from students..."Why are we learning this?"  Ryan Smith joins me to talk about how language teachers can infuse the idea of language learning as an essential skill when preparing students to be ready for college and careers.  Ryan points how many useful communication skills that are developed and honed in the language classroom in addition to language learning and cultural competence.Ryan speaks specifically about:why language learning is an essential aspect of being college and career readyconvincing reasons to learn a new languageskills that will make students college and career ready, particularly  21st Century Skillssome “carrots” to help motivate students to learn a language and hone their skillshow we can incorporate college and career readiness into our classroomsSeals and Credentials, especially the Seal of Biliteracy Connect with Ryan Smith on Twitter (@renosenor).Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom CommunityWork with Joshua either in person or remotely.Sign up for Talking Points, my weekly newsletter with tips, tools and resources for language teachers.wlclassrom.comTwitter:  @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom Facebook Group