Advocating for World Languages
WAFLT has a long history of advocating for World Languages.
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 representative, Dr. Veronica Trapani, Associate Director for Content, World Languages and International Education, who came to Washington in July 2020. Our State World Languages Program Supervisors and Associate Directors 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.
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).
Below are key issues that are the current focus of the WAFLT Advocacy Team.
Find out why WAFLT believes there are important steps we can take to ensure equitable access to language education.
WAFLT stands in support of the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s international partnership agreements with other countries.
Learn about advocacy efforts to create equitable access to National Board Certification for teachers of any language.