Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES) is a program model that provides students with regular, sequential instruction in a world language during the elementary school years. Unlike exploratory programs, FLES is designed to support the development of communicative proficiency through sustained language learning over multiple years. Instruction is integrated into the elementary curriculum and focuses on developing students’ ability to interpret, express, and negotiate meaning in the target language while building intercultural understanding.

FLES programs provide an important foundation for lifelong language learning and help students develop the linguistic, cultural, and cognitive skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Effective programs are aligned across grade levels and are designed to prepare students for continued language study in middle school, high school, and beyond.

Characteristics of FLES Programs

While program designs vary among schools and districts, effective FLES programs typically include the following characteristics:

• Regular Instruction: Students participate in scheduled language instruction throughout the school year.

• Sustained Instructional Time: Students receive regular language instruction over multiple years, providing opportunities to develop communicative proficiency.

• Sequential Learning: Curriculum builds progressively from grade to grade to support increasing language proficiency.

• Standards-Based Instruction: Learning experiences align with state and national world language standards.

• Communication-Focused Learning: Students use the language to communicate for authentic purposes rather than simply learning about the language.

• Cultural Learning: Instruction develops intercultural competence and understanding of diverse perspectives and practices.

Key Goals of FLES Programs

High-quality FLES programs are designed to achieve the following goals:

• Communication Skills: Develop students’ ability to interpret, express, and negotiate meaning in the target language.

• Intercultural Competence: Foster understanding of cultural perspectives, practices, and products while developing respect for diverse communities.

• Academic Growth: Support literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through language learning.

• Learner Confidence: Encourage students to take risks, communicate meaningfully, and view themselves as language learners.

• Lifelong Language Learning: Inspire curiosity and motivation for continued language study beyond the elementary years.

Benefits of FLES Programs

Research and practice have demonstrated numerous benefits associated with sustained language learning in the elementary grades:

• Supports cognitive flexibility, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Enhances communication and literacy development.

• Promotes intercultural awareness and global competence.

• Builds a strong foundation for future language proficiency.

• Encourages positive attitudes toward languages, cultures, and multilingualism.

• Expands opportunities for college, career, and community engagement.

Implementation Considerations

Successful FLES programs require strategic planning, sustained support, and a long-term commitment to language learning.

• Adequate instructional time and frequency to support proficiency growth.

• Qualified and licensed world language educators.

• A clearly articulated curriculum across grade levels.

• Standards-aligned instructional materials and resources.

• Ongoing assessment practices that monitor student progress toward proficiency goals.

• Administrative and community support for sustained programming.

• Vertical articulation with middle and high school language programs to ensure continuity of learning.

• Professional learning opportunities that support effective instructional practices.

Resources

• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

• ACTFL Guiding Principles for Language Learning

• Lead with Languages

• NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements

• State and Local World Language Standards and Curriculum Resources