This seminal handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the research on world language education and how that research can transform into effective and daily instructional practices for K-16 language teachers.

With contributions from leading scholars in the field, the volume addresses cutting-edge research, trends, and practice. Covering all key topics in language education, the volume is organized in six sections: Teaching Methods and Approaches; Culture, Pragmatics, and Intercultural Communicative Competence; Assessment and Program Evaluation; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the World Language Classroom; Technology Integration and Online Language Teaching and Learning; and Key Issues in World Language Instruction, including advocacy, teacher recruitment and retention, and professional development.

This handbook is an essential text for all scholars, researchers, and educators in world language and second language instruction.

Victoria Russell, PhD, is Professor of Spanish and World Language Education and Coordinator of Online Programs in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Valdosta State University, USA. She served as President of ACTFL in 2022.

Kathryn Murphy-Judy, PhD, is a Professor Emerita and a Career Distinguished Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, retiring after 50 years in world languages and computer-assisted language learning.

Francis John Troyan, PhD, is Professor of Multilingual Language Education and Coordinator of World Language Education Programs at The Ohio State University, USA. He is the co-editor of Foreign Language Annals.

Aleidine J. Moeller, PhD, is the Edith S. Greer Professor Emerita at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her scholarly interests include world language education and intercultural communication. She served as President of ACTFL in 2018.

Krishauna Hines-Gaither, PhD, is Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Justice at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, USA, and a former Spanish professor. She is the 2025 President-Elect and 2026 President of ACTFL.