About MELL

Launched in 2006, the Mapping and Enhancing Language Learning (MELL) project tracks and reports on world language learning and trends in Washington State. For example, what languages are students learning? Are language enrollments declining or increasing? What is the impact of world language competency-based credit testing? Dual language programming? How can we ensure equitable and consistent access to world language learning?

MELL represents a significant effort to help policy makers, educators, students, and parents understand which languages students are currently learning in our K-12 schools, community colleges, and in after-school language programs. MELL is an ongoing collaborative endeavor by the UW Jackson School of International Studies, UW Language Learning Center, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Coalition for International Education, and Washington Association For Language Teaching (WAFLT).

Funding for this project made possible, in part, through Title VI grant funds awarded to the Center for Global Studies, Center for West European Studies, East Asia Center, and Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies at the University of WA. MELL extends its appreciation to the International and Foreign Language Education Office in the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, for its support.

MELL Steering Committee

Current Members

• Michele Anciaux Aoki, PhD, MELL Project Manager
• Paul K. Aoki, PhD, Director of the UW Language Learning Center, University of Washington
• Russell Hugo, PhD, Assistant Director of the UW Language Learning Center, University of Washington
• Phil Shekleton, Managing Director of the Center for Global Studies, The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington
• Veronica Trapani, World Languages Supervisor, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

For more information, please contact: Tamara Leonard at tleonard@uw.edu