Language in the Nation's Schools

The NFLC considers a vital part of any plan to improve the abilities of all Americans to function effectively in two or more languages is the quality of student learning in K-12 schools. Language education in K-12 schools is a key link in feeding into other sectors of the language education system. At present, a few American K-12 systems provide high quality programs that demonstrably produce graduates whose language proficiency compares with the skills currently demonstrated by the average college graduate with a major in foreign languages.

Continuity of instruction is critical to the attainment of the levels of proficiency needed for national security. High quality programs allow students to continue through a progression of language learning from grade to grade, and from elementary school through the university level. High quality programs are staffed by qualified teachers.

The NFLC recommends:

• Significant support for foreign language education in K-12 schools, particularly those that lead to continued language learning in the postsecondary years
• Intensive support to expand the pool of highly qualified language teachers
• Policies and programs that aim to maintain the language proficiencies of heritage learners in our schools

Heritage language students are a rich resource, providing a significant pool of language competence on which schools and government language instruction, particularly in languages not frequently chosen for study by American students.