The U.S. Department of Education closed the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) on May 14, over a year after gutting its staff to just one. The office reportedly had around 15 employees.
The office was the only arm of the federal agency dedicated to ensuring that English learners and immigrant students gained English proficiency and academic success, that schools preserved students’ heritage languages and cultures, and that all students had the chance to develop biliteracy or multiliteracy skills.
Advocates and lawmakers have warned that the move could compromise English language support for students nationwide and will lead to reduced accountability and expertise for districts.
“Congress created OELA to ensure that English learners and immigrant students develop English proficiency,” wrote House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott.
“English learners should never be treated as a siloed program, set aside as an afterthought,” said Kirsten Baesler, assistant secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. “When English language acquisition is embedded across core priorities like literacy, academic content, educator preparation, and accountability, it receives the seriousness and sustained focus it deserves.”
K-12 Drive (5/14/26) By Naaz Modan