Join language advocates from across the country in Washington, DC, March 1–2, 2027.

New this year: We’re opening with a reception and awards ceremony on Sunday evening, February 28, so you can wrap up Hill meetings and head home right after Tuesday.

The schedule:
Sun, Feb 28 (evening): Welcome reception & awards ceremony
Mon, March 1: Day of learning and connecting — prep for the Hill
Tue, March 2: Full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, capped with a closing reception

Plan to arrive by Sunday afternoon so you don’t miss the kickoff.

Registration opens in September — stay tuned for details. For now, mark your calendars!

The Student Advocacy Academy is a guided experiences that helps students Learn – Practice – Lead.

The JNCL-NCLIS Student Advocacy Academy equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to advocate for language education on Capitol Hill and in their own commnities.

Click here to learn more.

Alternative Licensure Pathway: Standards of the Comm. & Lit. Skills MTEL

On April 28, 2026, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) approved a series of changes to the regulations for Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval (603 CMR 7.00). The regulatory changes focus on creating an alternative licensure pathway that allows an aspiring educator and/or existing educator, the ability to waive the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) test should they satisfy the eligibility criteria.

More Information Here

Take Action: The proposed FY27 federal budget places State Dept. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchange programs at risk! Urge your Members of Congress to restore full funding & protect language education today:

https://www.votervoice.net/JNCL/Campaigns/136524/Respond

Be aure to see the K-12 Survey Findings and Recommendations for Language Education.

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.

Read the report here

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.

https://mafla.org/7513-2/

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