K-12 Survey Findings & Recommendations

​Purpose of the Report

 

This report is intended to:

• Document current challenges facing K–12 world language programs

• Highlight innovative practices already strengthening programs nationwide

• Provide evidence-based insights to support advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels

• Equip educators, advocates, and policymakers with concrete talking points and recommendations

 

Together, these findings form a practical roadmap for sustaining and expanding access to high-quality language education for all students.

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Key Challenges Facing K–12 Language Programs

 

Survey respondents consistently identified five primary challenges impacting world language programs nationwide:

• Low student enrollment, often linked to scheduling conflicts and elective prioritization

• Staffing limitations, including persistent vacancies and difficulty recruiting certified educators

• Budget constraints, particularly during periods of fiscal uncertainty

• Limited administrative and institutional support

• Graduation requirements that deprioritize or exclude language study

 

These challenges reinforce longstanding concerns that language education is frequently treated as optional rather than essential, leaving programs vulnerable to cuts and reduced visibility.

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Innovative Approaches and Promising Practices

 

Despite these challenges, educators across the country
reported implementing effective, field-based strategies to
support student engagement and program sustainability.

The report highlights several recurring themes, including:

• Career-connected language learning, linking language
  proficiency to healthcare, public service, STEM, and
  other workforce pathways

• Community partnerships and cultural engagement,
  strengthening relevance and visibility beyond the classroom

• Future-forward course design, including
  performance-based assessments and interdisciplinary learning

• Teacher pipeline development, creating intentional pathways for students to pursue careers in language education

 

These examples demonstrate that when language education is framed as workforce preparation and civic capacity-building, programs are more resilient and sustainable.

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Indigenous Language Programs

 

The report also includes a focused examination of Indigenous language education, highlighting community-driven efforts to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages in K–12 settings. These programs underscore the importance of sustained federal support, tribal sovereignty, and community engagement in protecting linguistic and cultural heritage.

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A Tool for Advocacy

 

This report is designed to be used actively, not passively. Educators, advocates, and policymakers can use the findings to:

• Support conversations with school leaders, boards, and legislators

• Reinforce the role of language education in workforce readiness and community engagement

• Align advocacy messaging across local, state, and federal contexts

• Inform preparation for upcoming advocacy efforts, including Language Advocacy Day 2026

 

The findings will also inform JNCL-NCLIS advocacy initiatives, resource development, and policymaker outreach.
 

Download the Report

A Roadmap for Language Education Advocacy:
K–12 Survey Findings & Recommendations for Language Education

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JNCL-NCLIS Commitment

 

JNCL-NCLIS remains committed to amplifying educator voices, advancing evidence-based language policy, and protecting equitable access to world language education across the United States. This report represents one step in an ongoing effort to strengthen advocacy and ensure that language education remains a vital component of
K–12 learning nationwide.