PUBLIC STATEMENT

MABE and NYSABE join NABE in their June 25, 2025 statement regarding Title III funding.

“Despite Congress appropriating $890 million in Fiscal Year 2025 for Title III – English Language Acquisition under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the funds have yet to be allocated.” This delay in release of these funds is not just an inconvenience – “it is a direct threat to the educational access, achievement, and well-being of more than 5.3 million English Learners across the United States.” 

This matters because: 

• “Title III funds are essential for providing language instruction, academic support services, and professional development for educators who serve ELs.

• The lack of funds is forcing state and local agencies to terminate contracts, lay off staff, and halt critical planning for the upcoming school year.

• English Learners make up over 10% of the K-12 student population, and any disruption in services undermines their academic growth and equitable participation.” 

• In New England, we have seen exponential growth of our English Learner populations over the last decade – 55% increase in CT, 12% in RI, and 46% in MA. The loss of Title III funding threatens the legal and effective operation of key language education programs to serve this growing population and their teachers.

• “While U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Lisa McMahon announced on June 3, 2025, that allocations would be released, we have yet to see action. Without disbursement by July 1, 2025, schools and districts will enter the new academic year unprepared to meet the needs of EL students.”
  

With NABE, we “demand the prompt release of FY25 Title III funds by July 1. Together, we must ensure that the education and support of English Learners are never treated as an afterthought. Our students, educators, and communities deserve no less.”

CALL TO ACTION

MABE and NYSABE urge you to share this public statement with legislative leaders. You can take action in four ways: 

1. Email: Copy this sample letter - feel free to personalize it (such as adding your email signature so the recipient knows who you are). 

2. Call: Phone calls are one of the best ways to make an impact!Read this call script - feel free to personalize it (such as adding an introduction that identifies who you are). 

3. Share our social media posts about this: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter @MABEnortheast 

4. Tell your story. Click here to share with NABE what the impact will be for you personally and/or your school/district if the Title III funds are not released for this coming school year.

Your emails and calls can be directed toward four types of legislative leaders:

1. Chairs and Ranking Members of Congressional Committees related to Education (listed here)

2. Your Congressional Representatives and Senators

3. Your State Legislators (find your legislator for MA, CT, RI).
   Tell your state legislators how eliminating Title III funding will negatively impact your state and district! 
   

4. Your State Secretary/Commissioner of Education (listed here)