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See OSPI’s COVID-19 guidance and resources for educators, students, and families.
World Languages
- Video Overview Training on the Seal of Biliteracy
- Presentation (Slides) | (Document)
Graduation requirements are the same for ALL general education students.
Contact Information
Learning to communicate in languages of the world helps students in Washington become global citizens, ready for life in the interconnected world of the 21st century.
Back to School Considerations
- Department of Health (DOH) K-12 Schools Fall 2020-2021 Guidance (updated)
- ACTFL Reopening guidelines
- Under Washington state law, World Language Education is part of basic education and a requirement for high school graduation. World Language Education is part of a well-rounded education in Federal law. OSPI is issuing an emergency temporary rule change to WAC 392-410-135 from August 24, 2020 to December 24, 2020. Please see Laws and Regulations page.
- World Language Education is an equity issue. According to ACTFL, the pandemic has shone a bright light on the unacceptable racial and economic inequalities that exist in our society, resulting in disproportionately negative effects on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in the U.S., as well as those coming from low-income households. Not surprisingly, our language learners have been adversely affected by these same inequalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- State Board of Education (SBE) FAQs: Guidance from SBE on Washington state world languages.
- OSPI World Language (WL) FAQs: General guidance about world languages.
Learning Standards
Washington state has adopted the national Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century as our World Languages K-12 Learning Standards.
Competency Credits
Students in Washington may be able to earn high school credits for a world language that they know based on demonstrating proficiency in the language.
Seal of Biliteracy
The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages in addition to English.
Dual Language Immersion
Students in these programs receive content-based instruction in two languages in order to become proficient and literate in both languages, while also meeting high academic standards in all subject areas.
Early Learning Language Experiences
Washington schools that receive state funding for full-day kindergarten are required to provide experiences in a world language other than English.
Languages in Washington State
Find out about languages in Washington state.
Laws/Regulations
Find out about current laws and regulations regarding world languages.
Resources
Link to national and state language associations, centers, and organizations, as well as information about grant funding for languages.
Newsletters
Explore past issues of the World Languages Newsletters!