WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National English Learner Roundtable is calling on the U.S. Department of
Education to immediately release nearly $7 billion in critical K-12 education funding, including $890
million in Title III funding for English learners.

On June 30th, the U.S. Department of Education notified states that it would not be releasing
congressionally appropriated funds that states and school districts had been counting on to be available
on July 1st. This unprecedented move by the Department has blindsided schools that have always
been able to rely on these funds to support the start of the school year, and has created budgetary
chaos for nearly every K-12 school district.

School districts rely on these funds and have made budgeting, hiring, and planning decisions for the
coming school year premised on their availability. The Department’s decision to withhold these
essential resources is forcing schools to lay off staff, cancel summer and afterschool programs, and
forgo resources and services that support students.
Among the programs impacted is the Title III program, which supports English learners, who make up 1
in 10 of all K-12 public school students. Title III helps level the playing field for English learners – who
have a dual task of learning English while keeping up with core subjects – ensuring that all students
have access to the same high-quality education.

Withholding Title III funding jeopardizes critical programs that support English learners – such as
academic support, educator training, and family engagement. This will make it harder for them to learn
English, graduate, pursue higher education, and access good-paying jobs – limiting their contributions
to our workforce and economy. Our economy can’t afford to leave these 5 million students behind.
We urge the Department to immediately release the $7 billion in K-12 education funding that it is
withholding. Our students, families, schools, and communities cannot wait.

The National English Learner Roundtable is composed of over a dozen national and state-based
organizations committed to advancing the education of our nation’s 5.3 million English learners. This
statement is endorsed by ACTFL, American Federation of Teachers, Association of Latino
Administrators and Superintendents, Californians Together, Center for Applied Linguistics, EdTrust,
Immigrant Connections, Internationals Network for Public Schools, Joint National Committee for
Languages, National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), National Council for Languages and
International Studies, National Education Association, National Newcomer Network, Seal of Biliteracy,
TESOL International Association, and UnidosUS.

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Contact:
National English Learner Roundtable
[email protected]