World Languages

News and Updates

World Language Proficiency Academy, 2025

The Office of Language Acquisition is excited to sustain its partnership with MAFLA, to continue the implementation of the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework. The Department is sponsoring the 2025 World Language Proficiency Academy, June 23–25 at Westfield State University to support districts to implement rigorous, equitable, proficiency-based world languages programming as described in the framework. This professional development opportunity will support a limited number of World Language educators and leaders in MA public school districts and public charter schools to attend the academy at no cost. Participants may choose one of two presenter-led multi-day sessions:

• The Implementation Strand focuses on supporting those starting on the path to teaching the proficiency-based standards of the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework. Participants will gain an understanding of proficiency-driven language practices and how they align with the framework. Read more about the Implementation Strand.
• The Curriculum Strand takes a closer look into World Language programming and curriculum design through the lens of implementing Core Practices that align with the 2021 Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework. Read more about the Curriculum Strand.

Apply for your DESE-funded space at the 2025 Proficiency Academy

DESE-funded spaces at the World Languages Proficiency Academy are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who apply after capacity has been reached will be placed on a waiting list. Applications are available. Educators who are not awarded a DESE-funded space at the 2025 Proficiency Academy may still register (at their own expense) through our partner MAFLA .

Why Attend?

• Engage with Experts: Learn from renowned presenters and leaders in proficiency-based instruction, including Rebecca Blouwolff, Leslie Grahn, and more. Learn more about Rebecca Blouwolff and Leslie Grahn.
• Collaborate with Peers: Network with educators across the state, share best practices, and build lasting professional connections.
• Gain Actionable Tools: Acquire strategies and resources to implement the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework and improve student outcomes.

What Educators Are Saying

• "[Strategies learned at Proficiency Academy] will improve communication and motivate the students to speak in the target language."

• "Implementation of proficiency-based techniques and best practices will inform my overhaul of Spanish course curriculum. The theory we reviewed this week will be crucial."

• "I feel like I have a clearer understanding of what pieces are involved and I now have resources where I can find help to implement those pieces."

• "[Strategies learned at Proficiency Academy] will help me restructure the Spanish curriculum with a proficiency approach, using the different tools provided."

• "Seeing the work implemented was very beneficial, and the rubrics work is helpful for my practice. I think understanding proficiency helps me make my teaching more cohesive."

Don't Miss Out!

Secure your fully-funded space today and join a transformative professional learning experience that will elevate your teaching and inspire your students. Apply early to ensure your place!

For questions, contact worldlanguages@mass.gov .

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Follow-Up Sessions for the 2024 MA World Languages Proficiency Academy

DESE is sponsoring three virtual follow-up sessions for participants of the 2024 MA World Languages Proficiency Academy. These sessions are led by our expert presenters, Catherine Ritz and Rebecca Blouwolff, and will focus on continuing your work in proficiency-based instruction:

• Session 1: January 7, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Curriculum Progress)

• Session 2: March 4, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Curriculum Alignment and Unit Design)

• Session 3: May 6, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Next Steps)

Each session will include breakout groups for collaboration, opportunities for feedback, and actionable strategies for your classroom. Participants can earn 1.5 PDPs per session.

Registration is now open! Visit MAFLA.org to secure your spot.

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: March 13, 2025