World Languages

News and Updates

2026 World Languages Proficiency Academy: Applications for Funding Open February 2

Transform your teaching and inspire your students at the 2026 World Languages Proficiency Academy! Aligned with DESE's vision for equitable, culturally responsive, linguistically sustaining, and rigorous, standards-based education, this Academy empowers educators to create affirming learning environments and promote high academic achievement for all students. Join us at Westfield State University from June 22–24, 2026, for three days of dynamic professional learning designed to elevate your practice and enhance world language education across Massachusetts.

Why Attend the Proficiency Academy?

• Engage with experts: Learn from renowned presenters and leaders in proficiency-based instruction, including Rebecca Blouwolff, Leslie Grahn, and more.
• Collaborate with peers: Network with educators across the state, share best practices, and build lasting professional connections.
• Gain actionable tools: Walk away with strategies and resources to implement the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework and improve student outcomes.
• Enhance equitable practices: Apply framework practices to teach all learners, in all types of world language programs (including heritage language courses and programs)

Securing Your Fully-Funded* Space at Proficiency Academy

To ensure equitable access, World Language educators and supervisors employed by PreK–12 Massachusetts public schools can apply for a fully-funded* space at the Proficiency Academy by following these steps:

1. Apply: Submit your application during your designated phase, based on eligibility (see descriptions below).
2. Register: Within two weeks of the end of your application phase, MAFLA will contact approved applicants with a registration link to complete the process.

All eligible applicants will receive DESE-funded registration as long as spaces remain available. This process is not competitive, and eligibility is determined on a first-come, first-served basis within each application phase. Please review the details below to determine when you are eligible to apply:

Phased Applications

• Phase 1: World Language Leaders who are New to Proficiency Academy
  • Applications open February 2, 12:01 PM – February 9, 12:00 PM
  • Eligibility: World Language Leaders from Massachusetts public school districts or charter schools that did not attend or send representatives in 2024 or 2025.
  • Apply for Phase 1.
• Phase 2: World Language Leaders
  • Applications open February 9, 12:01 PM – February 23, 12:00 PM
  • Eligibility: World Language Leaders from any Massachusetts public school district or charter school.
  • Apply for Phase 2.
• Phase 3: Changemakers
  • Applications open February 23, 12:01 PM – March 2, 12:00 PM
  • Eligibility: World Language Educators who identify as being from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or linguistic backgrounds. Changemakers must be nominated and the application must be completed by their World Language leader, director, or supervisor.
  • Recommenders should confirm with the registrant that they are willing and able to attend the Academy prior to submitting the application for them.
  • Apply for Phase 3.
• Phase 4: All World Language Educators
  • Applications open March 2, 12:01 PM – March 31, 5:00 PM
  • Eligibility: Open to all Massachusetts public K-12 World Language educators, regardless of prior attendance.
  • Apply for Phase 4.

*Note: Fully-funded spaces cover registration fees, breakfast, and lunch in accordance with DESE food and beverage policies. Dinners and lodging are not included. MAFLA will provide information on affordable options for accommodations and meals.

Heritage Languages Guidance and Best Practices Manual

The Office of Language Acquisition is pleased to present two resources for Heritage Language Programs. The Massachusetts State Heritage Languages Program Guidance details all the legal requirements for implementing a Heritage Languages Program. DESE's Best Practices Manual for Implementing Heritage Languages programs provides robust ideas, examples, and vignettes of important practices in Heritage Language programs and courses.

• Massachusetts State Heritage Languages Program Guidance

• Heritage Languages Best Practices Manual

World Languages at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

We believe that all Massachusetts students should acquire linguistic and cultural proficiency in at least one language in addition to English. Proficiency in one or more world languages will empower all students to use languages other than English to tell their own stories, understand the stories of others, and engage with their communities.

Guiding Principles

The following principles are philosophical statements that underlie the standards and resources in the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework. They should guide the design and implementation of world language programs in schools. Programs guided by these principles will prepare students for success in college, career, and their lives as productive, global citizen

1. Effective world language programs invite, include, support, and benefit all students.
2. Effective world language programs lift up all students and empower them to act with cultural competence and critical consciousness.
3. Effective world language programs produce high levels of linguistic and cultural proficiency in one or more world languages in their students.
4. Effective world language programs are communicative and support meaningful, authentic, and affirming interactions in the target language.
5. Effective world language programs measure linguistic proficiency.
6. Effective world language programs foster risk-taking and mistake-making toward growth in linguistic and cultural proficiency.
7. Effective world language programs deliver meaningful, relevant, and cross-disciplinary content to motivate students to acquire the language and build proficiency.
8. Effective world language programs differentiate instruction and content, so that they are accessible, rigorous, and appropriate for all students.
9. Effective world language programs connect students to their peers in the classroom, their community, and speakers/signers of the target language throughout the world.
10. Effective world language programs promote social and emotional growth.

Last Updated: January 26, 2026