Center for Applied Second Language Studies - The Northwest National Foreign Language Resource Center
CASLS is home to the National Foreign Language Resource Center and the University of Oregon Chinese Flagship Program.
CASLS is home to the Northwest National Foreign Language Research Center and the Oregon Chinese Flagship Program.
We Are...
...A microcosm of the world we hope to create

We are a diverse group of multilingual people working together toward a common goal: improving the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Our innovative solutions to language learning emanate from the creative recombination and application of ideas and technologies.

...Dedicated to collaboration

We have a long and productive history of partnering with professional organizations, businesses, foundations, schools, states, and other academic institutions to find solutions to language learning problems. Learn more about how to work with us.

...A Language Resource Center

Language Resource Centers (LRCs) promote the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Led by nationally and internationally recognized language professionals, LRCs create language learning and teaching materials, offer professional development opportunities, and conduct research on foreign language learning. Learn more about the services LRCs provide by visiting their Web sites or downloading this overview brochure.

...A Chinese Flagship Program

The Language Flagship is a national effort to change the way Americans learn languages. The Language Flagship community leads the nation in designing, supporting, and implementing a new paradigm for language learning. Students graduating from Flagship Programs will have professional-level language and culture skills.

We believe

  • All children have the ability to learn another language and should be provided that opportunity.
  • Meaningful communication is the purpose of language learning.
  • Teachers are the solution to improving student outcomes.
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Our History

CASLS began as a group of Japanese teachers in Oregon working on a three-year grant program to improve instruction. Today, the center supports all foreign language educators across the country so that they can best serve their students. Our staff's wide variety of expertise has helped the center become nationally recognized in assessment, professional development, and program development. Learn more about our staff by visiting the staff biography page.

1994: CASLS Director Carl Falsgraf leads the Japanese Language Project at the University of Oregon, from which CASLS would emerge.

1997: The Japanese Language Project receives additional funding and becomes the Center for Japanese Language Studies (CAJLS).

2001: CAJLS receives a Title VI grant to become the Northwest National Foreign Language Resource Center and changes its name to the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS).

2005: The Language Flagship awards CASLS the Oregon Chinese Flagship Program.

2009: CASLS celebrates its 15th anniversary.

New Opportunities: Download CASLS' strategic plan for insights into the center's next directions.