Language Opportunity Coalition

The mission of the Language Opportunity Coalition (LOC) is to increase language learning opportunities for learning English, native, heritage and world languages, and to ensure that all learners have equal access to a high quality education and professional opportunities. 

LOC Steering Committee Members: MABE, MATSOL, MaFLA, MIRA

Bill H.4032 An Act relative to language opportunity for our kids (LOOK) passed in the legislature on November 15, and was signed into law by Governor Baker on November 22, 2017.

The legislation greatly expands options for English learners in the Commonwealth’s public schools (removing the parental waiver for bilingual programs and create a Dual Language Educator Endorsement), and creates a Seal of Biliteracy that will encourage students to develop proficiency in English and a native or foreign language, and prepare them to compete in the global economy. Please visit languageopportunity.org for more information.

Thank you to the Language Opportunity Coalition member groups: Multistate Association for Bilingual Education (MABE), Massachusetts Foreign Language Association (MaFLA), Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Massachusetts Educators of English Language Learners (MATSOL), SealofBiliteracy.org, and all the organizations and individuals who advocated for this bill, and especially the educators who worked to create the Seal of Biliteracy pilot program. 

Right image caption: LOC stakeholders receive the State House Certificate, Left to Right: Nicole Sherf (MaFLA),  Phyllis Hardy (MABE), Helen Solorzano (MATSOL).