Advocating for World Languages

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WAFLT has a long history of advocating for World Languages.

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It was through WAFLT advocacy that the Legislature first funded the position of World Languages Program Supervisor at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2008. That position has been now been filled by four WAFLT members: Michele Anciaux Aoki (2008-2014), Paris Granville (2014-2015), Angela Dávila (2015-2020), and our newest World Languages Program Supervisor Veronica Trapani, who came to Washington in July 2020. Our State World Languages Program Supervisors have represented our state in the National Council of State Supervisors for Language (NCSSFL), which has put our state at the table nationally for policy work on such issues as the Seal of Biliteracy.

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Over the years, WAFLT leaders and members have worked hard to support a number of state-level and national efforts to improve access and outcomes for students learning languages in our classrooms, their homes, the community, and around the world. We hope you'll add your voice! For more World Language Advocacy resources, visit JNCL-NCLIS  (Joint National Committee for Languages | National Council for Languages and International Studies).

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Below are six issues that are the focus of WAFLT Advocacy Team efforts in 2020-2021:

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Equitable Access to Language Education

Find out why WAFLT believes there are important steps we can take to ensure equitable access for all students to language education.

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WL High School Graduation Requirement

Learn about Washington state's 2-credit High School graduation requirement. 

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Seal of Biliteracy

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English.

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World Language Credit Testing

Through World Language proficiency testing, students may earn from 1 to 4 Competency-Based Credits in a language they know, and possibly qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy at high school graduation. Find out how WAFLT supports these testing opportunities.

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Support for International Partnerships

WAFLT stands in support of the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s international partnership agreements with other countries. 

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Dual Language, Heritage Language, and Indigenous Language Programs

The Washington State Legislature has funded multiple grants for Dual Language, Heritage Language, and Indigenous Language programs in recent years. Learn more about how WAFLT supports these advocacy efforts.

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