Massachusetts Foreign Language Association
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MAFLA

Mass Foreign Language Asso

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/

ACT NOW – WLARA Funds at Risk

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.

 

 

IMPORTANT SURVEY – WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

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

Help Inform Us on Language Learning in K-12 Schools

IMPORTANT

JNCL-NCLIS invites you to complete this informal survey to provide us with the most up to date information regarding language education in your school/district. By gathering this information, we can better prepare tools and strategies to advocate and provide support. In order to get the best results possible, please have only one representative from your school’s world language department complete this. (Chair of department, if possible). 

If there are multiple schools in your district that offer world languages, please note whether you are filling out the form for your school only or the whole district.

Click here for the survey!

Tips for Grassroots Advocacy

Empowering Local Changemakers!

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!