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Bilingual Education Advocacy Updates
Bilingual Education Advocacy Updates
Call to Action
Proposed elimination of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA)
President Trump has released his recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026.The proposed budget can be accessed HERE, and it includes serious cuts to education including the elimination of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) located on page 6. OELA is the only federal office dedicated to supporting English learners. Established under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), OELA plays a vital role in ensuring that multilingual learners receive the necessary resources and support to thrive.
The Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA):
Supports Students & Families: Over 5 million English learners rely on OELA-funded programs and resources to succeed academically.
Empowers Teachers & Schools: OELA provides essential funding, professional development, and research to help educators implement effective practices for English Learners.
Guidance and Oversight: OELA provides schools and districts federal guidance and research-based best practices to support English learners.
Strengthens the Economy & Workforce: English learners are the future of our workforce. Investing in their success ensures a more competitive workforce and stronger communities.'
Now is the time to contact your elected official and express your opposition against the elimination of OELA. Find your representatives. Enter your zip code and you will get your representatives’ website, phone number, and email address.
It’s important to also contact the Senate Health, Labor, Education & Pensions Committee, and the members of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce.
NABE Statement on March 1st, 2025 Executive Order
NABE Statement on March 1st, 2025 Executive Order
On March 21, 2025, the National English Learner Roundatable sent a letter to Congress regarding the reduction in force of OELA
On March 21, 2025, the National English Learner Roundatable sent a letter to Congress regarding the reduction in force of OELA
On January 22, 2025, the WIABE Board sent this letter to support and advocate for Immigrant students
On January 22, 2025, the WIABE Board sent this letter to support and advocate for Immigrant students
On October 20, 2023, the WIABE Board sent this letter to the State Superintendent along with members of the cabinet and the Early Reading Committee
On October 20, 2023, the WIABE Board sent this letter to the State Superintendent along with members of the cabinet and the Early Reading Committee
On October 14th 2022, Board President Lori Menning participated in a round table discussion with Senator Tammy Baldwin. During this discussion she shared the challenges, strengths and hopes for changes for bilingual education in the state of Wisconsin.
Letter to the Joint Finance Committee in support of the 2023-2025 biennial budget proposal for K-12 Schools that directly impact ELs and Dual Language Bilingual-Bicultural (BLBC) Programs in Wisconsin.
Letter to the Joint Finance Committee in support of the 2023-2025 biennial budget proposal for K-12 Schools that directly impact ELs and Dual Language Bilingual-Bicultural (BLBC) Programs in Wisconsin.
On June 13th, 2023, Our WIABE Executive Board sent a letter to the Joint Finance Committee urging the committee to support the requested $22.3 M to raise reimbursement rates for BLBC education programs across the state of Wisconsin.
Letter to Support Adoption of the 2020 WIDA English Development Standards
Letter to Support Adoption of the 2020 WIDA English Development Standards
On March, 2021, Our WIABE Executive Board in collaboration with WI TESOL sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's State Superintendent's Review Council urging the council to adopt the 2020 WIDA ELD standards.
Letter to WI DPI Urging A Request for Access Waiver for 2020-2021 School Year
Letter to WI DPI Urging A Request for Access Waiver for 2020-2021 School Year
On January, 2021, Our WIABE Executive Board in collaboration with WI TESOL sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction urging the Department to request a waiver for Access Testing for the 2020-2021, given the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Letter to State Superintendent About Teacher Licensing Roadblocks
Letter to State Superintendent About Teacher Licensing Roadblocks
On February, 2020, Our WIABE Executive Board sent this letter to the Superintendent of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in regards to the roadblocks being faced by bilingual teaching candidates as they seek teaching licenses. We seek to engage and work with DPI and other stakeholders from around the state so that we broaden the shrinking pipeline of bilingual educators coming onto the field.
Letter to State Legislators Opposing Legislation Making English the Official Language of the State of Wisconsin
Letter to State Legislators Opposing Legislation Making English the Official Language of the State of Wisconsin
On January 2020, state legislators resurrected a bill that would make English the official language in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education opposed this legislation. Our executive board met and crafted a letter that is being sent to the Governor and to state legislators on behalf of the organization. Here is a small excerpt of the letter: "As an organization, we adamantly oppose Assembly Bill 340, which seeks to make English the official language in the state of Wisconsin. This bill will create unnecessary divisions within our thriving multicultural, multilingual communities in this state and will further intimidate individuals whose first language is not English."
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