The Time Is Now!
OFLTA Announcement on HB3278
We are working for you!
OFLTA has crafted a Letter to the Editor/Press Release with help from our national advocacy group JNCL-NCLIS, that will go out today or tomorrow. Below is the copy of what will be disseminated through Press OK. Press OK reaches over 155 Oklahoma newspapers (print and digital versions).
HB3278 is currently in the Senate Education Committee, and will be voted on soon. We are encouraging all World Language teachers in Oklahoma to contact not only their own senators, but the Education Committee Senators as well to push HB3278 back to the House to revise the language to KEEP World Languages as a core in Oklahoma, and not a pathway (at the start of the 25-26 school year).
You can also share this newsletter, by clicking on the greater than sign at the top of the newsletter. Getting the word out is of utmost importance, so please share liberally with administrators, friends, family, parents, and others who have a vested interest. OFLTA will be sending this out on all social media platforms, and sharing it with our stakeholders in Oklahoma.
Thank you for your help in this urgent matter!
Letter to the Editor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2024
Desa Dawson, Advocacy Chair
Oklahomans for World Language Teachers Association (OFTLA)
405-204-5644
HB3278 Attempts to Eliminate World Language Requirement
World Languages needs to remain a core subject as the original legislation passed in 1990 (HB1017) intended.
Since the passage of HB1017 into law in 1990, the State Department of Education, Tribes, public educators, parents, and students have worked tirelessly to bring coursework to our students that would prepare them to be college and/or career ready and equip them for life beyond high school.
HB 3278, which the Oklahoma legislature is considering currently, acknowledges these goals but would undermine them by making high school world language courses optional. Specifically, the bill’s preamble calls for all Oklahoma students to “learn about cultures and environments - their own and those of others with whom they share the earth.” It also mandates that our students “study social studies, literature, languages, the arts, health, mathematics, and science.” Contravening these sentiments, the bill would remove the current requirement that students take two world language or computer science courses to earn a college/work preparatory degree starting in the 2025-26 school year. Instead, it would make world languages courses one of several ways that students could fulfill the six pathway units that would be needed for their diploma and would allow schools not to offer world language courses at all if other courses are available to be substituted.
Research has shown that students who take the minimum two years of a language out-perform those students who never take a second language on both the ACT and SAT tests. The cognitive benefits of a second language can improve overall academic performance and college outcomes due to stronger literacy skills in English and the target languages, as well as problem-solving abilities that support math and science, and overall expanded cognitive abilities.
Students who complete even higher levels of a second language can now earn the Seal of Biliteracy (offered in all 50 states) which Oklahoma began offering in 2021 as a credential on students’ transcripts. Last year 500 students received the award, up from 321 the year before.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, “Oklahoma is home to more than 140 foreign-owned companies.” In a current address to Global Oklahoma, the Governor’s International Team, the French Consul General said that the importance of having world language programs starting in early elementary school and continuing through secondary, particularly dual language/immersion programs, is especially important to companies when considering where they locate.
The day has arrived when we need those world-ready citizens, and the need is only growing:
Nine out of 10 U.S. employers rely on U.S.-based employees with language skills other than English.
A third of employers report a high dependency on language skills other than English.
A majority of employers report the need for foreign languages has increased and project it will grow. 56% say their foreign language demand will increase in the next 5 years.
Over a third of U.S. employers who rely on foreign languages say their needs are not currently being met.
One in four U.S. employers surveyed reported losing or being unable to pursue business opportunity over the singular lack of foreign language skills.
We have seen tremendous gains with Memorandums of Understanding with France, Taiwan, Spain and other countries in the works, new accreditations for 13 Tribal languages (with other applications pending), and growth in dual language and immersion programs. The intent of HB1017 was thriving in Oklahoma schools.
We cannot afford to lose ground. Please help to continue the work by contacting and encouraging your Senator to keep the 2-year World Language curriculum units/competencies and allow higher levels to be included in the pathway units or sets of competencies so that students may continue taking AP (Advanced Placement) and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses and qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.
About OFLTA: OFLTA is Oklahoma’s professional organization for World Languages teachers across Oklahoma in public, private, charter, and online K-20 schools. OFLTA was founded in 1958 by Dr. Lowell Dunham, chair of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Oklahoma. OFLTA has provided Oklahoma world language professionals with a place for collaboration, professional development, and support.
Senate Education Committee Members
Adam Pugh - Chair : pugh@oksenate.gov
Ally Seifried - Vice Chair : seifried@oksenate.gov
Micheal Bergstrom : bergstrom@oksenate.gov
Julie Daniels : daniels@oksenate.gov
Carrie Hicks : Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov
Casey Murdock : murdock@oksenate.gov
Dewayne Pemberton : pemberton@oksenate.gov
Lonnie Paxton : paxton@oksenate.gov
Dave Rader : rader@oksenate.gov
Jo Anna Dossett : dossett@oksenate.gov
Kristen Thompson : kristen.thompson@oksenate.gov
Grant Green : grant.green@oksenate.gov
Dusty Deevers : Dusty.Deevers@oksenate.gov
Contact your Senator - Find him/her at https://oksenate.gov/senators