This video is a recording of the July 30th, 2024 America's Languages Caucus Briefing hosted by the Joint National Committee for Languages
Click here for access to the accompanying briefing booklet: bit.ly/JNCLbriefingbook2024
You can learn more about JNCL-NCLIS and the America's Languages Caucus at www.languagepolicy.org.
Event Title: Federal Efforts to Address the Crisis in K-12 Language Education
How K-12 world language and dual language programs create a foundation for developing multilingual and intercultural problem solvers.
Description: Language education in America’s K-12 schools is in trouble. Each year, multiple state
legislatures consider bills to scale back or eliminate world language graduation requirements and
local school boards approve cuts to language education offerings to balance budgets. As a result,
fewer students have the opportunity to learn languages as a part of their educational experience,
leading to diminished interest in pursuing language education studies or careers that require
proficiency in more than one language. Ultimately, this results in insufficient numbers of multilingual
workers needed for our nation’s businesses, military, intelligence services, and diplomatic corps.
Congress and the Administration are taking steps to address this crisis through the authorized and
operational World Language Advancement and Readiness Act Grants Program and legislation such
as the World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) – HR. 5603 and the Biliteracy
Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act – H.R. 7007/S. 3595. …...more
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