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Overview of Recent Federal Funding
Congress recently passed a federal education funding package that maintains overall funding levels for major K–12 programs. While the bill does not significantly increase education spending, it preserves key funding streams that support multilingual learners, language teachers, and bilingual education initiatives.
Title II: Professional Development for Language Teachers
Title II funding for educator professional development was also preserved. Many districts use these funds to provide training in second language acquisition, biliteracy development, culturally responsive instruction, and dual language program design. Continued Title II support helps strengthen instructional quality and teacher retention.
Title III: Support for Multilingual Learners
Title III funding, which supports English learners and language acquisition programs, remains largely level-funded. These funds are commonly used by districts to support bilingual teachers, instructional materials, assessment tools, family engagement, and supplemental services. Dual language and bilingual programs often rely on Title III resources to strengthen program quality and ensure equitable access for multilingual students.
Stability for Dual Language and Bilingual Programs
By maintaining Title III and related funding, Congress avoided major cuts that could have disrupted dual language and bilingual programs. This stability allows districts to continue staffing programs, maintaining instructional supports, and planning multi-year initiatives. It also helps protect existing positions for bilingual educators and language specialists.
WLARA Funding Increase
WLARA funding increased from $10 million to $15 million in FY26, strengthening federal support for world language education. For Oregon, this creates new opportunities to expand programs, improve teacher training, and increase access to high-quality language instruction, especially in less commonly taught languages that support students’ global readiness for DOD support schools.
Higher Ed Funding Preserved
Title VI/Fulbright-Hays funding for FY 2026 was preserved at about prior levels, sustaining essential federal support for higher-education language programs, international research, and study abroad. This funding helps universities strengthen less commonly taught language instruction, support faculty research, and expand global learning opportunities—benefiting students, teacher preparation programs, and institutional language capacity. Continued investment ensures vibrant world language scholarship and prepares graduates for global engagement.
Limitations of Flat Funding
Although funding was preserved, most programs were not expanded. Flat funding means that rising costs and growing student populations continue to strain local budgets. As a result, many districts may struggle to expand dual language programs, raise teacher compensation, or meet increasing demand without additional state or local investment.
Implications for Language Education Advocacy
For language educators and advocates, the recent funding package provides short-term stability but highlights the need for continued advocacy. Sustained federal investment is essential for expanding access to high-quality dual language programs, strengthening teacher pipelines, and supporting biliteracy and multilingualism as national priorities.
Key Takeaways for COFLT Members
• Federal funding streams supporting multilingual learners were preserved.
• Dual language and bilingual programs avoided major cuts.
• Professional development funding for language teachers continues.
• Flat funding limits program expansion and innovation.
• Ongoing advocacy remains critical for long-term growth and sustainability.
Join the COFLT Board
Elections to the COFLT Board will be held starting in May. We are accepting nominations through April 30, 2026. To nominate yourself or others, click HERE to fill out the nomination form.
The COFLT Board is comprised of 5 elected and 1 appointed officer, 8 to 12 elected at-large members (representing K-16), as well as representatives from our affiliate language organizations such as the ATJO, ATCO, OATG, PNCFL, etc. We also have representatives from the retired language teacher community. Our board represents all major languages taught in Oregon including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese.
COFLT depends on volunteers to make professional development opportunities available in Oregon. Please consider serving on the COFLT board for a two year term.
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Camp Abenteuer is a German immersion camp for 8-15 year-olds with any level of German. This year's camp theme is Sport und Kultur (Sports and Culture). Camp Abenteuer is scheduled for July 19th-24th at the historic Menucha Retreat and Conference Center. The registration link will go live on the camp website on March 1st. Now hiring counselors (16-21) and teachers!
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