U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has named Kathleen Leos assistant deputy secretary and director of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). Previously, Leos served as associate assistant deputy secretary and senior policy advisor in OELA.

"Kathleen has a keen understanding of the issues affecting English language learners and believes that every child can learn and deserves the opportunity to learn," Secretary Spellings said. "I am confident she will be a strong leader for the Office of English Language Acquisition."

In her new position, Leos will be responsible for identifying major issues affecting the education of English language learners; assisting and supporting state and local efforts that emphasize high academic standards, school accountability, professional training and parent involvement; and providing national leadership in promoting high-quality education for English language learners.

As associate assistant deputy secretary and senior policy advisor in OELA, Leos was charged with developing policy and regulations for states regarding English language learners. Previously, Leos was a trustee on the Dallas Public Schools Board of Education and held several positions, including president and state legislative liaison. As a trustee, she co-authored Texas' HB 103, or "No Exemption" law, which required all English language learners to be included in Texas' accountability system for the first time in the state's history. Leos also founded Basic English, Inc., a non-profit agency whose mission is to transition non-English speaking families into English while staying focused on their children's academic achievement, and she has received many awards and recognitions for her work.

Leos received her Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

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