AI, Proficiency, and Student-Driven Language Learning with Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch

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 FILL00:40 Meet Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch02:10 Ryan’s path to FILL and language access04:45 Tom’s educator journey and dissatisfaction with traditional courses07:40 What FILL is and why it matters08:30 Administrative problems FILL solves (singletons, scheduling)12:10 Teacher shortages and shrinking language programs13:10 How FILL works day-to-day15:30 Weekly goal sheets + can-do statements20:40 Minecraft example and learner-driven topics23:30 AI tools and prompting for learning plans31:10 Asset-based assessment and mistake-making34:00 Challenges: Duolingo dependence and balance of structure37:20 Building routines: writing workshops + unplugged Thursdays41:40 Results: earning graduation credit in one semester43:40 ASL learner transformation story46:50 Hope for the future of language learning49:00 Plurilingual possibilities and structural change50:30 Closing + neural network invitation Welcome + what is FILLMeet Ryan Allen and Tom WelchWhy traditional language courses fall shortHow FILL expands language accessProficiency-based credit vs seat timeWeekly learner goal setting with AIMinecraft and learner-centered topicsAsset-based assessment and confidenceChallenges and refining the approachStudent outcomes and success storiesThe future of multiliteracy and plurilingualismWrap-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]. Ryan Allen: [email protected] Links Mentioned in this episode:Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.comSTAMP Language Proficiency Test – https://www.avantassessment.com/stampDr Allen's Blog Post  https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/how-the-avant-stamp-test-made-facilitated-interdependent-language-learning-fillAI prompt templates for teachers and learners:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bHUcHKVApDDhsuQ0btn9PT1QcS4UlQ58iy8aWQc2V3Q/editIdeas and prompts for writing, listening, and speaking practice:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1flqv2_mcqA5EKKJy2D37wu3NBVgsrLQPEKTRgriMlWw/editOverview of how we leverage various AI tools and platforms:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AOWLFslHLWqFGKXpTB3_FnzGF6ghybnm7FGXFsXt--w/editNatural Readers (text-to-speech) – https://www.naturalreaders.comNotebookLM (Google AI learning tool) – https://notebooklm.googleDuolingo – https://www.duolingo.comPerplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.aiNational 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  Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!