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Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks

Foreign Languages Report

The enclosed report presents data gathered by our staff on the teaching and learning of foreign languages in Massachusetts elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities. As you know, the Board of Education adopted a Foreign Languages Curriculum Framework in 1995 and a revision of it in 1999. In 1996, legislation was signed by then-Governor Weld adding foreign languages to the list of subjects that eventually would be assessed statewide and count toward the high school competency determination.

The purpose of this report, What We Know about Foreign Language Teaching and Learning in Massachusetts in PreK-12: Teacher Supply, Teacher Quality, Student Course Work, and Student Achievement , is to present the relevant information we have been able to gather as a baseline for policy decisions and to recommend a plan of action. You received an earlier version of this report in June; this has been updated to reflect additional information supplied by the Board of Higher Education.

The report is for discussion purposes only and does not require a vote.