Mass Foreign Language Asso
Leslie Grahn recently posted this and it is worth sharing.
I’ve had lots of conversations with WL educators recently who are using Generative AI for lesson ideas. Check out the “Custom GPTs” I’ve curated, created by WL colleagues, that are well-informed about ACTFL standards, proficiency descriptors, etc. and will generate higher quality responses:
https://www.grahnforlang.com/ai-resources-for-world…
Definitely check it out.
Thanks Leslie
Dear MAFLA Community,
With the recent change removing the Competency Determination requirement of the MCAS, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is soliciting public comment on proposed amendments to 603 CMR 31.04, the Regulations on Criteria for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
We encourage all educators, families, students, and community partners to review the proposal and share their feedback.
How to submit a comment
• Online form
• Email: mastatesealofbiliteracy@mass.gov
• Mail: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner’s Office,Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Next step: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting on January 27, 2026.
For background, please see the Commissioner’s memo.
Thank you for lending your expertise and voice to strengthen biliteracy opportunities across Massachusetts.
The World Language Advancement and Readiness Act (WLARA) program supports multi-year grants for innovative world language programs at military-connected and Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools—representing $79 million in funding over the past 5 years, awarded to schools across 18 states.
Despite the significant impact of the program, WLARA grants are in jeopardy for FY26. While included in the House-approved Department of Defense funding bill, the Senate Appropriations Committee’s version includes no funding for it, which could mean the end of this vital initiative.
Visit the Legislative Action Center (JNCL-NCLIS) and let your voice be heard. Your support is needed. WLARA funds must be included in the final FY26 Budget.
World Languages As a Graduation Requirement
DESE is seeking input for future graduation requirements in our state. This is a critical opportunity to make World Languages a graduation requirement!
Take a moment to complete the Statewide Graduation Council Survey and advocate for World Languages to be recognized as an essential in a well-rounded education.
It’s time to advocate for World Languages.
The louder our voices are, the bigger the impact!
Click here for survey
As a language educator, you share important resources with your students, their families, your colleagues, and the greater community every day. Beyond providing language instruction, you help individuals to connect more profoundly with others, celebrate varied perspectives, develop problem-solving skills, and take advantage of new opportunities—whether they are academic or professional, in town or half a world away!
Learn more here!
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Here us a ODF version of the Proclamation for your to download.
World Languages Week 2025 V
MAFLA & JNCL-NCLIS Partnership
MAFLA is proud to partner with the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS), a national coalition advocating for language education and international studies in the United States. Their mission is to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language, fostering linguistic diversity and cultural understanding.
Higher Education Survey Findings
This fall, JNCL-NCLIS released its Higher Education Survey Findings & Recommendations for Language Education report, which addresses critical challenges in language education while inspiring innovative solutions for the field.
World LEAP Act
The World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act is a proposed grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to enhance K-12 world language and dual language programs. The Act prioritizes equitable access to language education for diverse socioeconomic and demographic groups, supports heritage and English language learners, and emphasizes professional development for educators.
JNCL-NCLIS’s efforts with World LEAP were recently highlighted in the National Review op-ed titled, “A Little Language Education, Trying to Emerge from the Mad Max of Congress.“ This article underscores the essential and bipartisan importance of language education funding, emphasizing its critical role in driving economic growth and strengthening national security.
America’s Languages Caucus Briefing
Last summer, JNCL-NCLIS held a powerful congressional briefing to address federal initiatives aimed at tackling the challenges facing K-12 language education: Recap of the America’s Languages Caucus Briefing, Addressing the Language Education Crisis in K-12 Schools.
Here are some resources on Empathy and Compassion from Leslie.
Leslie Grahn has put together some resources for Teaching Grammar in Context. Be sure to check them out here. Thanks Leslie.
Leslie Grahn has put togehter a variety of Gratitude Authentic Resources. Thanks, Leslie. These are perfect for this month.
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This month, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) announced 14 FY24 World Language Advancement and Readiness Program (WLARP) grant awards totaling more than $18.6 million. This amount is far above the $10 million in appropriated funds from FY24, thanks to supplemental DODEA support. In this round, districts in 11 different states received three-year WLARP awards that ranged between $500,000 and $2 million. They will be able to use these funds to establish or expand existing innovative world language programs in a variety of languages, including German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.
With this fourth round of annual grants, WLARP has now provided more than $68 million in funding to 31 different school districts spread across 18 states. Amanda Seewald, JNCL-NCLIS Executive Director shared, “JNCL celebrates the continued growth of programs funded by WLARP. We are thrilled that every applicant received funding in this round despite the limited appropriations of $10million for FY24. JNCL advocates continue to work to restore $15million in appropriations for FY25 and beyond.” LEARN MORE HERE! |
