Ryan shares how he first hears about FILL through teacher conferences and immediately recognizes its potential for expanding language access. In his rural Delaware district, students traditionally only have Spanish, but they consistently ask for more options. When he connects with Tom in 2023, the combination of proficiency-based learning and emerging AI tools clicks into place, shaping both his classroom practice and his doctoral research.

Tom explains that FILL grows out of dissatisfaction with traditional language instruction and the rigid course structures that often fail learners. He describes how the model is built around learning rather than seat time, empowering students to choose any language they want and earn credit based on demonstrated proficiency. We discuss how this solves major administrative challenges, including scheduling conflicts, declining enrollment in upper-level language courses, and teacher shortages. With FILL, the facilitator supports learners at any level without being tied to specific courses like “German 3” or “French 2.”

Ryan walks us through what FILL looks like in practice. Learners select weekly focal topics, set can-do proficiency goals, and use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate personalized activity plans. They choose how to learn, track evidence of progress, and reflect weekly. We highlight that this approach teaches far more than language. It builds goal-setting, prompting skills, self-directed learning, and accountability.

We also address challenges. Ryan notes early growing pains, including over-reliance on Duolingo and the balance between structure and flexibility. Through iteration, the model evolves to include structured weekly routines while preserving learner autonomy.

Finally, we reflect on what gives us hope. We see higher retention beyond graduation requirements, increased motivation, expanded opportunities for heritage learners, and the possibility of truly learner-centered multilingual education. FILL shows us that AI does not replace educators. Instead, it amplifies what skilled facilitators can make possible when learning is built around the learner.

00:00 Welcome + introducing FILL
00:40 Meet Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch
02:10 Ryan’s path to FILL and language access
04:45 Tom’s educator journey and dissatisfaction with traditional courses
07:40 What FILL is and why it matters
08:30 Administrative problems FILL solves (singletons, scheduling)
12:10 Teacher shortages and shrinking language programs
13:10 How FILL works day-to-day
15:30 Weekly goal sheets + can-do statements
20:40 Minecraft example and learner-driven topics
23:30 AI tools and prompting for learning plans
31:10 Asset-based assessment and mistake-making
34:00 Challenges: Duolingo dependence and balance of structure
37:20 Building routines: writing workshops + unplugged Thursdays
41:40 Results: earning graduation credit in one semester
43:40 ASL learner transformation story
46:50 Hope for the future of language learning
49:00 Plurilingual possibilities and structural change
50:30 Closing + neural network invitation

Welcome + what is FILL
Meet Ryan Allen and Tom Welch
Why traditional language courses fall short
How FILL expands language access
Proficiency-based credit vs seat time
Weekly learner goal setting with AI
Minecraft and learner-centered topics
Asset-based assessment and confidence
Challenges and refining the approach
Student outcomes and success stories
The future of multiliteracy and plurilingualism
Wrap-up and resources

Dr. Ryan Allen is a high school teacher and researcher focused on how artificial intelligence can personalize language learning for adolescents. Through his work with Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL), he empowers students to choose any language they wish to study and earn graduation credit based on demonstrated proficiency rather than seat time.

 

Tom Welch is a lifelong educator and innovator who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of traditional schooling. A former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and high school principal, Tom is known for his bold, learner-centered leadership. These days, Tom focuses on Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL) and asset-based assessment, helping educators like Ryan personalize learning around student strengths and proficiency. A longtime leader in the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, he champions a shift from schooling to true learning—powered by trust, technology, and learner agency. He also helps facilitate a weekly "Neural Network" Zoom gathering on Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM CT. Feel free to contact him for an invitation at 

Tom Welch: [email protected]

Dr. Ryan Allen: [email protected]

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.com

STAMP Language Proficiency Test – https://www.avantassessment.com/stamp

Dr Allen's Blog Post  https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/how-the-avant-stamp-test-made-facilitated-interdependent-language-learning-fill

AI prompt templates for teachers and learners:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bHUcHKVApDDhsuQ0btn9PT1QcS4UlQ58iy8aWQc2V3Q/edit

Ideas and prompts for writing, listening, and speaking practice:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1flqv2_mcqA5EKKJy2D37wu3NBVgsrLQPEKTRgriMlWw/edit

Overview of how we leverage various AI tools and platforms:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AOWLFslHLWqFGKXpTB3_FnzGF6ghybnm7FGXFsXt--w/edit

Natural Readers (text-to-speech) – https://www.naturalreaders.com

NotebookLM (Google AI learning tool) – https://notebooklm.google

Duolingo – https://www.duolingo.com

Perplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.ai

National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL) – https://www.ncssfl.org

https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/how-the-avant-stamp-test-made-facilitated-interdependent-language-learning-fill

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