LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

A number of JNCL-NCLIS member organizations have joined ACTFL on the coalition letter to the President regarding Foreign Language education in the 2014 budget. The letter urges the president to restore funding that has been cut for FLAP and Title VI/Fulbright-Hays, and to increase funding for other vital programs, such as the Language Flagship and StarTALK. ACTFL is leading a coalition of associations in this effort, in order to ensure that funding is included in the President's requested budget for 2014. That request will be sent to Congress after the new year; regardless of the results of the Fall elections, this is an important step to engage the administration in order that it signal to Congress that these important programs have the support of the executive branch. If you have questions on the letter, you may contact Marty Abbott at ACTFL (mabbott@actfl.org) or the JNCL-NCLIS office (info@languagepolicy.org). Please do consider the value of your organization joining this effort.

ACTFL Coalition Letter to President Obama on the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget

Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning

Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning Act (H.R. 1994) was introduced on May 25, 2011 by Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) and cosponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY). H.R. 1994 is a joint effort by a number of organizations and individuals and is the result of many past conversations regarding the need for an omnibus language bill introduced as consideration of reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education (No Child Left Behind) Act.

This $400 million bill has three sections dealing with (1) national language activities; (2) state language policies and activities; and (3) a $200 million section supporting partnerships for improving the teaching and learning of foreign languages at the K-12 level through sequenced, articulated language programs. This last section is nearly identical to Rep. Holt’s other bill, H.R. 1966, the Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act (FLEPP), was developed by JNCL-NCLIS and CIE working closely with Mr. Holt and his staff over the last few years. FLEPP was intended to amend and complement the current $27 million Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) which the present Administration has  eliminated and consolidated along with other disciplinary programs into a larger Effective Teaching and Learning for a Well-Rounded Education program. FLAP and FLEPP have been strongly supported by the language and higher education communities. Since ESEA has not yet been considered by Congress, the Senate Appropriations Committee recently continued FLAP in FY 2011 at the current funding level.

Please contact your Members of Congress, as many of you did in May, to follow up on support for FLAP and H.R. 1966, and to urge them to cosponsor H.R. 1994.

Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act (H.R.1966)

Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act ( H.R. 1966) Rep. Rush Holt reintroduced his Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a partnership program in foreign languages. The Secretary of Education would be given the authority to make incentive payments to eligible partnerships to “develop and maintain model programs that support articulated language learning in kindergarten through grade 12”. The funds may be used for program design and teaching strategies according to best practices and available research, curriculum and materials development, national assessment development and enhancement, teacher in-service and pre-service program development, and recruitment incentives for new teachers and students. The funds can also be used to provide opportunities for maximum language exposure for students, dual-language immersion programs, scholarships for study abroad opportunities, activities that encourage whole-school and community involvement, effective and innovative use of technology, and certification and alternative certification programs.

Further, a model program is exempt from receiving funding under this program unless it contains a research and evaluation component that would collect data regarding the effectiveness of each activity of the language program and the effect of each activity on the language proficiency of the students. This data would be analyzed and made public under standardization guidelines determined by the Secretary.
A partnership that is awarded incentive funding under this program for one fiscal year would have the opportunity to continue funding for the three succeeding fiscal years if proven effective. This requirement may be waived by the Secretary if the program relates to critical languages or if the year is used primarily for planning rather than program implementation.

RACE TO THE TOP resources
***Please let the Department of Education know of our concern that innovation in the Race to the Top must include foreign language by sending letters and comments via the regulations.gov form.


ASCD Recovery Act Resources

Partnership for 21st Century Skills
21st Century Skills Framework
21st Century Skills Core Subjects
21st Century Global Awareness Skills
ASCD Planning Possibilities Online Resource

$115 Billion: Pie Chart Break-down of Education Stimulus Dollars

"Understanding the Education Stimulus Package" The Whole Child Podcast

Recommendations for English language learners

Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act (S.473) (H.R.2410)

The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act, was introduced in both houses in 2009. The legislation would create a Foundation that would award grants for study abroad opportunities, with an emphasis on nontraditional destinations. The Senate bill is sponsored by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) with a number of co-sponsors, and the House bill was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act.