July 28, 2010 - On July 20, the Asia Society Partnership for Global Learning, Committee for Economic Development, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and National Education Association hosted a policy summit to discuss “the urgent need to expand our citizens' proficiency in a wide range of essential world languages, starting in the early grades.” Convened at the U.S. Capitol, the summit featured speakers from the business, education, security, and intelligence communities. U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA), and Paul Tonko (NY), who spoke at the event, pledged their support introducing a bill that would dramatically expand federal investment in the teaching and learning of foreign languages at the K-12 levels.
According to a statement prepared by briefing organizers, Rep. Rush Holt (NJ), a long-time supporter of language training, is expected to introduce the “Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning Act” in the coming weeks to ensure that reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) includes a focus on globally competent graduates. “The president has set the goal that by 2020 America will regain its first in the world status by having the highest percent- age of college graduates. It is crucial that our students not only graduate college but they do so ready to compete in an increasingly global economy. While America finds itself on an increasingly competitive playing field, our students' chances at becoming globally competent are decreasing and they are losing opportunities to their counterparts in other countries.”
The proposed bill would authorize $400 million in fiscal year 2011 funding for the teaching of foreign languages to K-12 students as part of ESEA reauthorization. It would include:
A PDF Summary of the Excellence and Innovation in Language Learning Act is available on the Committee for Economic Development website.
