JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Alert ::
February 02, 2007
ACTFL President Testifies in U.S. Senate
ACTFL President Rita Oleksak testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management. Rita’s testimony focused on ten recommendations for expanding and strengthening foreign language education in the U.S. and the need to focus federal funding on this effort. Learn more »
March 26, 2006
A New Era for Foreign Languages
JNCL/NCLIS Executive Director, J. David Edwards, releases important article on the status of world language education in the US.
Download entire article: Word → | PDF → Visit the JNCL/NCLIS website at www.languagepolicy.org"Not since the late fifties and early sixties of the Cold War and the Space Race have languages enjoyed the support and attention that they are currently receiving. Over the last few years, numerous studies, reports, and hearings, have noted our nation’s serious language shortages and called upon the federal government to increase and improve the United States’ language capabilities."
March 23, 2006
JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Alert
There are two new pieces of legislation that have been introduced in the U.S. Congress aimed at improving language education in the United States:
On March 16, Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) introduced the Homeland Security Education Act. This legislation provides many programs such as: scholarships, student loan forgiveness, and grants to encourage students to develop foreign language proficiency along with science and technological knowledge. View a copy of the bill →
Representative Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) introduced the 21st Century National Defense Education Act. This bill will provide $1 billion in federal funding to: provide curriculum and instructional facilities and materials; educational incentives such as grants, scholarships and loan forgiveness programs; career development opportunities; and the creation of the Office of Teaching Americans Language Concepts in the Department of Education. View a copy of the bill →
January 03, 2006
JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Alert
On January 6 and 7, the State Department, the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the Education Department are hosting a meeting-"the U.S. University Presidents Summit and Education Stakeholders on National Security Foreign Language Initiatives." On Thursday, January 6, the President of the United States will address the assembly regarding our national foreign language needs and new policies. For more information visit the JNCL-NCLIS website at www.languagepolicy.org Learn more »
November 29, 2005
2006 - The Year of Study Abroad
Senator Richard Durbin introuded S.Res. 308 - Designating 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad" on November 10, 2005. Recognizing the importance of study abroad programs, this bill encourages secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, businesses and goverments programs to promote and expand study abroad opportunties. The bill is co-sponsored by: Senators Alexander (R-TN), Feingold (D-WI), Craig (R-ID), Colmen (R-MN) and Cochran (R-MS). It was passed by the Senate with unanimous consent.
May 24, 2005
Senator Akaka introduces new language legislation
On May 19th, at the JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Day/Delegate Assembly, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) announced the introduction of the S. 1089 The National Language Coordination Act of 2005. The Act would create the position of a National Language Director and a National Foreign Language Coordination Council to develop and oversee the implementation of a foreign language strategy for the federal government. The proposed Council, chaired by the National Language Director, would identify crucial priorities, increase public awareness of the need for foreign language skills, advocate maximum use of resources, coordinate cross-sector efforts, and monitor the foreign language activities of the federal government. The bill has been referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee for further action.
To read a copy of Senator Akaka's floor statement, please click here
To read a copy of Senator Akaka's remarks to JNCL-NCLIS and the bill text, please visit the JNCL-NCLIS website at www.languagepolicy.org.
April 11, 2005
Pentagon to Stress Foreign Languages
The Washington Post publishes article about the Pentagon's language needs and attempts to address them. Among the numerous questions it raises, is to what degree well increased language demand impact supply?
Read entire article →
Defense Language Transition Roadmap→.
January 06, 2005
JNCL-NCLIS Legislative Alert
Intelligence/National Security Reform and Authorization Bills Signed into Law. Learn more »