English language acquisition: state formula grant program

The Office of English Language Acquisition awarded the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Department of Education) $20.12 million under the English Language Acquisition State Grants program (CFDA 84.365) on July 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This formula grant funds comprehensive language instruction educational services designed to help English learners, including immigrant children and youth, achieve English language proficiency while meeting state academic standards. Per program requirements, the state educational agency is obligated to expend at least 95 percent of its allocation through sub-grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and other eligible entities that directly deliver services to English learner populations. The award supports a broad range of educational products and services, including English language instruction, academic enrichment programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, parent engagement initiatives, and technology-based learning programs.

Through sub-grants awarded between September 29, 2025, and February 17, 2026, the Superintendent of Public Instruction distributed funds to 75 school districts and educational entities across Washington State, spanning urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions. Sub-awardees, including districts such as Seattle Public Schools, Spokane School District, Tacoma Public Schools, and numerous smaller regional districts, utilized these funds to deliver English language development instruction, multilingual education programs, and related support services to their English learner student populations. Notably, several sub-recipients participated in Title III Consortiums (designated as "FP 231 Title III Consortium 25-26"), including La Center Intermediate School, Impact Public Schools, and Mount Vernon School District, indicating coordinated regional approaches to English language acquisition services. The grants support LEAs in establishing standards for English proficiency, managing sub-grant processes, and maintaining accountability for service delivery to diverse English learner populations throughout the state.