In an effort to evaluate the state of foreign language learning in the US for the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) officially announced the formation of the Commission on Language Learning. The Commission is a direct response to a bipartisan request from the House and Senate last November to gather and analyze research on the benefits of foreign language learning for all age groups starting at pre-school and extending through secondary, higher education, and lifelong learning levels in an effort to inform future policy-making decisions around language learning in the United States.
Language Learning: a 21st Century Priority
AAAS President Jonathan Fanton observed that, "Language learning should be among our highest educational priorities in the 21st century. By reviewing existing practices and proposing new ideas, the Academy's Commission will advance the conversation about language education, focusing on a body of knowledge and a set of skills that will become more critical as communication between and among cultures increases."
According to a statement released by the Academy, the new Commission is "charged with working with leading scholarly and professional organizations around the US to collect the research that can enlighten a national dialogue around excellence in language learning and international education and research. The Commission also hopes to surface the impact of advanced language proficiency on national security, economic growth and productivity, and cultural diplomacy. Scheduled to meet several times in the next year, the Commission will report back to Congress in the summer of 2016 on the current state of language education in the US, the anticipated future need for language in the US, and recommendations on how best to meet those needs."
Commission on Language Learning Appointees
Paul LeClerc, former President and CEO of the New York Public Library, has been appointed as Chair of the Commission. In addition to Dr. Davidson, members of the Commission include Martha Abbott, Executive Director, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages; Nicholas Dirks, Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley; Karl Eikenberry, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, retired US Army Lieutenant General, and Director of the US-Asia Security Initiative, Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, Stanford University; Rosemary Feal, Executive Director, Modern Language Association; Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor of History, Columbia University; Philip Rubin, Senior Advisor to the President, Haskins Laboratories, and former Principal Assistant Director for Science, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Diane Wood, Chief Judge, US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; and Pauline Yu, President, American Council of Learned Societies.
The Value of Language in US Society
Commenting on the formation of the new Commission, Dr. Dan E. Davidson noted, "There is growing awareness in the US of the value of language for the development of intercultural competencies essential for the social and economic demands of the 21st century, as well as for full engagement with the cultural diversity of the US Access to a language (other than English) or to English (for those with a different mother tongue) will affect the next generation's earning power, personal and cognitive development, and ability to contribute productively to society."
About American Councils
Founded in 1974, American Councils for International Education is a leading academic exchange, educational research and assessment organization, specializing in the design and administration of major government and privately funded bilateral programs with the non-English speaking regions of the world.
American Councils international education programs span over 80 countries, 40 languages, and are represented by over 55,000 alumni worldwide, including government leaders, top international educators, business innovators, public officials, and K-16 students.
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Interview Requests
To request an interview with Dr. Dan E. Davidson, contact Mikayla Holland: mholland@americancouncils.org or 202-833-7522