ALEXANDRIA, VA—In a world where U.S. companies contend in a hypercompetitive global marketplace, where our nation is diplomatically and militarily engaged across the globe, and where tackling complex global challenges requires a greater level of international understanding and cooperation, the ability to communicate in different languages and understand other cultures has never been more vital. Yet, fewer than 10 percent of Americans speak a second language, while barely one-fifth of K-12 students and a mere 8 percent of college students study a second language.

ALEXANDRIA, VA —The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has released two position statements to express its stance on computer coding and foreign languages.

BOSTON—The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) recognized outstanding contributions to the field of language education with an award presentation on Friday evening, Nov. 18, at the 2016 ACTFL Convention & World Languages Expo in Boston.

ACTFL Past-President Jacque Bott Van Houten presided over the awards ceremony, which was held in honor of 2016 ACTFL President Pete Swanson. The following awards were presented:

Global Engagement Initiative Recognition Awards

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- ACTFL Executive Director Martha G. Abbott has been appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Security Education Board.

Abbott will serve a four-year term on the board.

“It is truly an honor to be appointed by the President to serve in this capacity on the National Security Education Board advising on the important work of building our nation's linguistic and cultural capacity,” Abbott said.