LESLLA in the United States: An Evolving Patchwork

Abstract

This paper offers a snapshot of Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults (LESLLA) in the United States as of Spring 2025. It describes how the complex and varied landscape of instructional services is shaped by federal policy and funding and state-level policy and implementation. The paper highlights teacher professional development practices, the range of instructional modalities that leverage technology, and recent progress in addressing systemic challenges. The paper discusses the impact of recent political shifts—including federal funding cuts, the funding cuts of the U.S. Department of Education, and the suspension of refugee arrivals—on the stability and future of LESLLA service provision.