The PA Language Roadmap is a strategic planning document designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by advancing world language education to better meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s workforce and diverse communities, while helping to build a world-ready Pennsylvania. Modeled after the Wisconsin Language Roadmap, this initiative was spearheaded by the PSMLA Task Force beginning in 2024.
The introduction to the PA Language Roadmap contains research-based data to explain the current state of world language education, the economic impact of multilingualism and the workforce needs in the state. It also provides a framework for action to develop leadership and advocacy for language education, to develop continuous and effective language programs for all students and to develop and sustain language teacher talent.
The action steps of the PA Language Roadmap were drafted during the Pennsylvania Language Summit held at Penn State Harrisburg on April 28, 2025 and were later refined and finalized at Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit on October 15, 2025.
The Pennsylvania Language Roadmap: Building a World-Ready Commonwealth
The Pennsylvania (PA) Language Roadmap is a comprehensive strategic framework designed to bolster the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. By advancing world language education, the Roadmap aligns academic instruction with the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s diverse communities and modern workforce. Modeled after the Wisconsin Language Roadmap, this initiative was spearheaded by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) Task Force beginning in 2024. The preliminary action steps were formulated by stakeholders during the Pennsylvania Language Summit at Penn State Harrisburg on April 28, 2025, and the framework was refined and finalized during a collaborative working session at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit on October 15, 2025.
Core Components & Strategic Pillars
The Roadmap begins with a robust, data-driven analysis of the current landscape of world language education, the economic impact of multilingualism, and state-specific workforce demands. To address these findings, the document establishes a strategic framework for action focused on three critical pillars:
- Leadership & Advocacy: Cultivating systemic support and championing the value of language education statewide.
- Language Programs: Designing and implementing continuous, high-quality language programs accessible to all students.
- Educator Sustainability: Developing, supporting, and retaining premier world language teaching talent.