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Save the Date: Language Advocacy Days 2027

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!

Great Resources for Back to School

Leslie Grahn has shared some great resources for Back to School.  Check them out here.

Leslie also has postedsome resources to check in on your language learners.  View them here.

Leslie has also available a grouping of authentic resources on Back to School. Check them out here.

Here are some additional resources shared by Leslie Grahn.  16 ideas for kicking off your lessons in the target language (with linked resources for multiple languages).  Click here!

JNCL-NCLIS News

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.

 

 

Do You Know What JNCL-NCLIS Is?

ALL ABOUT JNCL-NCLIS 

 

 JNCL-NCLIS is The Joint National Committee For Languages and the National Council for Languages And International Studies

Who are they?

The JNCL-NCLIS leadership understanding the multifaceted language landscape, from education to industry.  Together with its members, JNCL-NCLIS forma a network or language professionals raising public awareness and profile of the positive benefits of language learning.

The JNCL-NCLIS team analyzes federal and state legislation, provides policy recommencations to decision-makers on Capitol Hill, and tracks the budget and apporopriations process in Congress.  JNCL-NCLIS empowers its stakeholders by connecting ethem with members of Congress to advance the language agenda in the U..S.

Do you want to get involved?

By becoming a member of JNCL-NCLIS you not only support our shared missions, you actively shape it.  Whether you are an individual support or the leaders of your organization, you have a place at the table.

Learn more about JNCL-NCLIS membership here.

Alternative Licensure Pathway MA

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

ACTION REQUESTED

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

MAFLA Seeks Administrative Services Independent Contractor

MAFLA is an inclusive, non-profi t service organization that promotes effective world language education and professional growth by supporting a diverse community of language educators from across the state of Massachusetts.
MAFLA is seeking to engage an independent contractor to provide administrative support services on an as-needed, project-based basis. This is not an employee position.

For more information

JNCL-NCLIS News

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

Custom GPTs

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.

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