11) Building educators’ capacity
How can I build my capacity to serve Multilingual Learners?
Strategy Overview: Math Activities/Actividades for Families
This website offers over twenty quick, fun activities that families can do with children to engage in math. Examples include songs, games and question routines. An English/Español tab at the top of the page provides access to all content in both languages.Read More
Strategy Overview: Math Activities/Actividades for Teachers
This website offers twelve instructional activities for small group work or centers, across multiple domains of math. For example, opportunities for engagement with pattern-making, analyzing data, and creating and sorting with manipulatives. An English/Español tab at the top of the page provides access to all content in both languages.Read More
Workshop for Teachers: College of the Sequoias
This is a lesson plan, with links and a Powerpoint deck, for a three-hour professional development session for teachers that allows early education teachers to engage in multiple domains of math.Read More
Sequence of Learning Activities for Teachers: Bakersfield College
This is an example of a five-week learning sequence that requires teachers to review and reflect on numerous resources from the DREME website. Linked to this resources is a Canvas Shell.Read More
Vignette: “Children’s Words Measure Up”
This transcript analysis comes from two teachers discussing mathematical vocabulary and one student's use of the word "bigger" in a class discussion.Read More
Website Article: Supporting Language and Math
This overview document describes the language learning opportunities for Multilingual learners in math instruction. It includes additional links to activities, handouts and resources that a teacher can use to simultaneously develop children's math and English language skills.Read More
Website Article: Who, What & Why of DLLs
This article provides some background information about Multilingual learners in early childhood, with a particular focus on math instruction.Read More
Video: Counting for Adults
This video scaffolds an experience for adult learners to stand in the shoes of Multilingual learners as they learn to count in Farsi.Read More
Toolkit: Ensuring Meaningful Communication with Limited English Proficient Parents
This 10th chapter from the U.S. Government English Learner Toolkit focuses on policy, resources, and tools to build relationships and communication with non-English speaking families and caregivers.Read More
Resource Guide: California’s Dual Language Learners- Key Characteristics and Considerations for Early Childhood Programs
This resource offers key visuals and data to help California-based educators learn more about the characteristics of Early Childhood households.Read More
Video: Jamila Lyiscott-3 Ways to Speak English
In this short video, the presenter shares her lived experiences and relationship to the "three different types" of English that she speaks.Read More
Video: Jim Cummins on Language Teaching Methods and Translanguaging
In this short video, researcher Jim Cummins explains translanguaging and the recent shift to acknowledge all languages in the classroom.Read More
Policy Brief: California Practitioner Guide for Educating English Learners with Disabilities
This document is critical for any teacher or administrator in the state of California who is looking for guidance on how to navigate needs and programming for Multilingual Learners who also have disabilities.Read More
Video: The Benefits of Multilingualism
This short video offers clear explanation of how bilingualism connects to healthy brain development.Read More
Video: Multilingualism and Translanguaging
This video provides an overview of the benefits of multilingualism and translanguaging in schooling, including how language abilities are interconnected, how these abilities are used in complex ways to create meaning, and how students are able to effectively communicate using all the linguistic resources available to them.Read More
Blog: The Affective Filter & Language Learning
This blog is a teacher-friendly review and explanation of Stephen Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis. The author includes numerous examples from teaching practice and infographics to make the content accessible and clear.Read More
Video: English-Language Development with Home Language Support
This video provides considerations for administrators on another approach to a language program. A primarily English language approach, with teaching and interaction primarily happening in English, with support for the home language. An important takeaway to note is that all educators, regardless of their own language background, can support all home languages through strategies that they can incorporate into their teaching.Read More
Video: Balanced English and Home Language Development
This video highlights key takeaways on a balanced approach towards dual language development, as shared by dual language experts. A critical piece to this approach is ensuring the child receives exposure and opportunity in each language so that they can learn English and still continue to develop their home language as well.Read More
Video: Being Intentional and Monitoring Program Goals
This video helps administrators develop an understanding of important items to consider as they develop a language program. Dual language experts note the value of engaging with your staff throughout the process, and ensuring that everyone has a common understanding and investment in the program goals.Read More
Video: Understanding Unique Aspects of Dual Language Development
This video explains the many academic advantages that children gain when they speak more than one language.Read More
Website Article: What Does Research Tell Us about Teaching Reading to English Learners?
This article is a research and strategy overview about teaching reading to Multilingual Learners. Sections on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension include tips for teachers to adjust instruction to meet the needs and leverage the strengths of learners.Read More
Blog: What Balanced Literacy Can Learn from Biliteracy
This blog helps teachers consider what fundamentals of biliteracy can transfer to literacy in general. Advice is shared on how teachers can design literacy instruction to incorporate the needs of Multilingual Learners.Read More
Blog: Stanford Professor Points out Potential Flaw in Reading Lessons for Spanish-speaking Students in U.S.
This short blog questions how efforts to teach reading in English transfer (and do not transfer) to the experiences of Spanish-speaking students.Read More
Webinar: The Science of Reading and English Learners
This webinar covers the research about the "science of reading" and evidence-based language and literacy instruction and supports provided for Multilingual Learners. Researchers Claude Goldenberg and Elsa Cárdenas Hagan both participate and share their expertise.Read More
Podcast: High Quality Instructional Materials as Equity for English Learners
This podcast covers some of the systematic issues in schools that keep Multilingual learners from adequately progressing. The discussion then shifts to specific supports and considerations for curriculum design that make grade-level content accessible for all learners.Read More
Article: The Universal Implications of Science of Reading
In this article extends understanding of the "science of reading" to include considerations for Multilingual Learners. The idea being that these students actually learn how to read differently than students who only speak English.Read More
Webinar: Structured Literacy for English Learners
This is a webinar with researcher Elsa Cárdenas Hagan. She offers numerous examples of the literacy activities for Multilingual Learners that are described in her text "Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction."Read More
Podcast: The Science of Reading—Empowering Multilingual Learners
This is a podcast interview with author Elsa Cárdenas Hagan about her book "Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction." She reviews the challenges and opportunities for literacy instruction with Multilingual Learners.Read More
Webinar Series Playlist: Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Practice
This is a webinar playlist that includes eleven separate webinars with author Elsa Cárdenas Hagan about her book "Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction." Each webinar covers one aspect of literacy instruction and one chapter of the text.Read More
Webinar: Using the Science of Reading to Improve Literacy Instruction for English Learners
In this webinar the researcher Claude Goldenberg talks through how to apply the "science of reading" to Multilingual Learners.Read More
Webinar: Science of Reading with Claude Goldenberg
This is a webinar interview with researcher Claude Goldenberg. He offers his analysis of research about how Multilingual Learners fit into current discussions about the "science of reading."Read More
Interview: How to Teach English Learners Based on the Science of Reading
This is a write-up based on an interview with Dr. Jana Echevarria, who discusses what adjustments to the "science of reading" can be made for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Article: The Science of Reading in Dual Language
This article provides an opportunity to consider the "science of reading" in a dual language context.Read More
Website Article: Science of Reading Advocates Have a Messaging Problem
In this article the author, Claude Goldenberg offers clarity about the terminology of the "science of reading." Specific implications for Multilingual Learners are discussed.Read More
Webinar: NCEL White Paper
This recorded webinar is a discussion of the key points made in the white paper, "Toward Comprehensive Effective Literacy Policy and Instruction for English Learner/Emergent Bilingual Students." The authors talk through their research and findings.Read More
White Paper: Toward Comprehensive Effective Literacy Policy and Instruction for English Learner/Emergent Bilingual Students
This white paper shares research about what Multilingual Learners need in literacy instruction. Specific recommendations are made to design instruction with the unique needs of Multilingual Learners in mind, and to leverage their assets into lessons.Read More
Designing Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Programs that Foster Bilingualism: A Guide for PreK/TK Directors
This guide is designed to help administrators who are interested in starting an Early Childhood Education (ECE) dual language/bilingual program for preschoolers and Transitional Kindergarten (TK). This resource provides an overview of key program components, including different models to consider, along with a step-by-step guide that are organized into five focus areas.Read More
Glossary: Terms for Metalinguistic Transfer
This document is a response to frequently asked questions and answers about transfer in the classroom, and an explanation of many terms associated with it.Read More
Presentation Slides: Raising Bilingual Children (English)
In this presentation, families are given resources and research regarding raising bilingual children, the benefits of bilingualism on the brain and the Seal of Biliteracy and its pathway to biliteracy. Slides are in English.Read More
Presentation Slides: Raising Bilingual Children (Spanish)
In this presentation, families are given resources and research regarding raising bilingual children, the benefits of bilingualism on the brain and the Seal of Biliteracy and its pathway to biliteracy. Slides are in Spanish.Read More
Presentation Slides: EL Roadmap for Families
A presentation designed to be delivered by school staff that introduces families to the EL Roadmap. Included is the opportunity to reflect on how the EL Roadmap is being enacted in your school and a space for reflection on what else could be implemented to best support the roadmap.Read More
Strategy Overview: The Classroom Audit
A classroom audit involves a non-judgmental reading of the messages conveyed by the materials and arrangement of the classroom as well as interactions through the lens of equity and diversity.Read More
Toolkit: Community and Family Engagement
This toolkit offers many different resources for teachers and administrators who work with Multilingual families. Sections include direction on how to set up family resource backpacks, adult education opportunities, family field trips and mentoring and more.Read More
Program Guide: Best Practices for Serving English Language Learners and Their Families
This document outlines what teachers, administrators and families can do to support Multilingual Learners in school settings. The guide includes sections on instruction, school and classroom culture, family engagement and policy.Read More
Resource Guide: FAQ Guide for Program Directors and Administrators
This resource guide offers answers to some of the most common questions that come up about literacy instruction for Multilingual Learners. Assessment, the "science of reading," use of home language(s), and curriculum decisions are some of the topics covered in this guide.Read More
Toolkit: Implementing the Language Learning Project
This toolkit is the basis for the implementation of Personalized Oral Language(s) Learning (POLL) strategies. It is a highly researched professional development approach for Early Childhood teachers to address the educational needs of Multilingual Learners and their families.Read More
Website: Teaching For Biliteracy
This website is a learning community hub about biliteracy with content available in English and Spanish. Resources include a long-standing blog with many posts about all aspects of biliteracy, and articles on the research and pedagogies associated with biliteracy.Read More
Website Article: Celebrating Our Linguistic Strengths
This article offers teachers the research base and findings on the benefits of bilingualism and biliteracy.Read More
Podcast: Working with Emergent Bilingual Learners
This podcast reinforces the strength-based idea that bilingualism is a benefit to children, and working with families and children to develop home language is an asset.Read More
Strategy Overview: Dual Language Instruction Assessment Rubrics
This collection of rubrics can support new and experienced dual language teachers reflect on their teaching practice and design meaningful instruction for Multilinugal Learners.Read More
Website: Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors
This bilingual website provides a toolbox for families and parents with many different links and resources for supporting children in school and home with learning and language.Read More
Video: Dual Language Programs Explained
In this video, researcher Diane August reviews the research base and benefits of bilingual education.Read More
Webinar: Engaging ELD Resources to Maximize English Learner Student and Parent Access
This webinar digs deep into the California English Language Roadmap recommendations for English Language Development (ELD). Example components of ELD, like creating access to content, offering the language students are expected to use, and sharing knowledge about how "English works" are shared. Considerations for specific Multilingual Learner typologies and proficiency levels are also reviewed.Read More
Webinar: Reaching Equity for English Learners
This webinar reviews how California-based school districts can use the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) to focus on equitable instruction for Multilingual Learners and involve multilingual parents and families in district planning and decision-making.Read More
Webinar: Designing Instruction for Language Learners (Universal Design for Learning)
In the first half-hour of this webinar, key considerations for working with Multilingual Learners are introduced, including: funds of knowledge, building comprehensible input, interaction, and feedback. The second half of the webinar connects these considerations to principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).Read More
Strategy Overview: Go-to Strategies
This is a compilation of instructional strategies that can be introduced in all grade levels, across all different content areas, to support English language development for Multilingual Learners. The document is organized into various sections including: Community Building Strategies, Interactive Strategies, Teaching Strategies, Student Learning Strategies, Vocabulary Strategies, Reading Strategies, and Writing Strategies.Read More
Discussion Questions: Facilitating Discussion of the Short Film – Immersion
This is a lesson plan to facilitate discussion of the short film, Immersion. Even though the intended audience is pre-service teachers, it is easily adapted for teachers and administrators of all experience levels.Read More
Short Film: Immersion
This short film takes on the perspective of a ten-year-old Multilingual Learner, Moises, to better help educators stand in the shoes of a student and understand what it feels like to be a newcomer in an English-only school environment.Read More
Website Article: How School Leaders New to Working with ELLs Can Partner with Families – 10 Strategies for Success
This article shares practical tips, along with video explanations and additional links to explore, that administrators can use to support Multilingual Learners and their families.Read More
Online Course: Connecting the Dots for DLLs Throughout the Preschool Day
In this 2.5 hour free online course, teachers learn how to create a language-rich preschool environment to support multilingualism in preschool.Read More
Online Course: Supporting Dual Language Learners Right from the Start
In this 4.5 hour free online course, teachers learn research-based practices to support the development of multilingualism in preschool.Read More
Guide: A How-to Guide for Teachers
This guide offers teachers critical information and questions to consider to improve instructional materials for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Guide: A How-to Guide for School Instructional Leaders and Administrators
This guide offers school instructional leaders and administrators critical information and questions to consider to improve instructional materials for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Framework: Designing Professional Learning Inclusive of English Learners
This website offers content and an explanation of core beliefs which teachers can explore to engage in Professional Learning about Multilingual Learners.Read More
Glossary: Terms about English Learners
This glossary defines many terms which are associated with instruction for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Research Article: Multilingual Students and Mathematics Education
This article shares current research on how to best consider and structure Mathematics Education for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Research Article: English Learners and English Language Arts Education
This article shares current research on how to best consider and structure English Langauge Arts Education for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Website: Coalition for English Learner Equity Tools and Resources
This website offers many resources and links about Multilingual Learners and their families. It is organized in various topic sections including Students, Classroom, School and Community, District, and State Policy.Read More
Policy Brief: Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary School
This brief from What Works Clearinghouse offers four research-based recommendations for what works in both reading and content instruction for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Research Bibliography: What Does the Research Say About the Experiences of Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood?
This resource provides links to current research about Multilingual Learners in early childhood. This information is aligned with the requirements for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).Read More
Video: Practical and Proven Strategies for Teaching Young DLLs
In this video, Dr. Linda Espinosa and coaches from the Language Learning Project provide an overview of research-based strategies for supporting Multilingual Learners in preschool classrooms. They describe the benefits of bilingualism and bilingual education, how to partner with families to support language skills, and provide examples of instructional strategies to use in classrooms to build Multilingual Learners' home languages and English. In this video, you’ll also hear from other California educators about the best practices they use in their programs.Read More
Policy Brief: Processes and challenges in identifying learning disabilities among students who are English language learners in three New York State districts
This policy brief from the State of New York offers helpful case studies about the process and procedures associated with identifying Multilingual Learners with disabilities. This information can help educators establish protocols to support students with dual status.Read More
Guide: Strategic Use of Consultants
Consultants can help programs to ensure they are implementing culturally and linguistically responsive practices in their early childhood programs. This resource provides guidance on how to determine the need for consultants, hiring the appropriate consultants, and lists examples of program goals and consultant responsibilities for meeting those goals.Read More
Guide: Supports for Classroom Language Models
This resource provides extensive guidance on how to select from several classroom language models to ensure that programs reflect the language strengths and needs of the children, staff, and families. This guide discusses several different language models, outlines key considerations for selection, training, and progress monitoring, and provides links to other resources.Read More
Article: Same, Different, and Diverse – Understanding Children Who Are DLLs
This resource provides an overview of important research findings that highlight the similarities, differences, and diversity of Multilingual Learners (MLs). By understanding the unique strengths and needs of MLs, educators can find ways to support them in their classrooms.Read More
Workbook: Code Switching – Why It Matters and How to Respond (Spanish)
This interactive Spanish workbook provides important information on code-switching: the use of elements from two languages in the same statement or piece of conversation. This resource explains how Multilingual Learners (MLs) engage in this practice, how common it is for MLs, and how educators can build on MLs' language by modeling and extending their statements.Read More
Workbook: Code Switching – Why It Matters and How to Respond
This interactive workbook provides important information on code-switching: the use of elements from two languages in the same statement or piece of conversation. This resource explains how Multilingual Learners (MLs) engage in this practice, how common it is for MLs, and how educators can build on MLs' language by modeling and extending their statements.Read More
Website Article: Developmental Screening of Children Ages Birth to 5 Who Are DLLs
This resource describes the special considerations programs should make when screening and assessing Multilingual Learners. It is important that programs find screeners and assessments in children’s home languages and find qualified staff, contractors, or volunteers to conduct assessments in multiple languages.Read More
Guide: The Family Partnership Process – Engaging and Goal-Setting with Families
This resource is an extensive guide on how programs and staff can partner with families to learn about their strengths and experiences and set goals for their children’s learning and development. This guide provides a step-by-step process for gathering information from families, setting goals, and following up on progress for continuous program improvement.Read More
Self-assessment: DLL Program Assessment User Guide
The Dual Language Learners Program Assessment (DLLPA) helps programs assess their own systems and services for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and their families. Administrators can use this assessment to ensure they are implementing culturally and linguistically responsive practices to support MLs in their programs.Read More
Webinar: DRDP
This resource provides a list of webinars about the California Department of Education’s Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). Topics for administrators and teachers include introductions to the DRDP, DRDP reports, observation and documentation, and engaging families.Read More
Website: Desired Results for Children and Families
Programs can refer to this website to obtain more information about the Desired Results (DR) for Children and Families System. The DR system outlines important goals for children and families and includes assessment instruments and surveys that programs can use to improve their program quality and services.Read More
Online Modules: Dual Language Immersion Planning Guide
This is a series of online professional development modules that support leadership teams to initiate or refine a dual language (DL) program. Each module takes up a different aspect of developing a DL program and offers practical supports and recommendations for implementation.Read More
Downloadable Book: Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education
This book is a reliable tool for planning, self-reflection, and continual improvement of dual language programs. Content covers program and curriculum development and builds knowledge of dual language development with an asset-based view of linguistic diversity.Read More
Online Module: Teaching English Language Learners-Effective Instructional Practices
This is an online professional development module for teachers on second language acquisition and instructional practices for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Website: Understanding Dual Language Development
The Understanding Dual Language Development section of this website provides information about the definition of dual language development and the several different trajectories of bilingualism. This website helps to build educators’ knowledge of dual language development and Multilingual Learners’ language acquisition.Read More
Website: English Language Development Foundations
The English Language Development Foundations section of this website describes the typical developmental progression for preschool Multilingual Learners in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This information helps build educators’ knowledge of dual language development and Multilingual Learners’ language acquisition.Read More
Website: Guiding Principles of Supporting Dual Language Learners
This resource provides the 10 guiding principles that form the foundation for the recommended practices articulated in the California Preschool Curriculum Framework, Volume 1. These guiding principles contribute to educators’ knowledge of dual language development, including evidence-based instructional strategies, ways to build relationships with Multilingual Learners, and developing partnerships with and engaging families.Read More
Website: Supporting Dual Language Learners through Family Support
This resource highlights the importance of gathering information about each child’s language and cultural backgrounds from their families, as well as partnering with families to co-create language and learning goals.Read More
Newcomer Toolkit: High-Quality Instruction for Newcomer Students
This is one chapter from the U.S. Department of Education's Newcomer Toolkit. This chapter focuses on high-quality instruction for Multilingual Learners, along with 21st-century global competencies and program model descriptions.Read More
Research Paper: Supporting English Learners in Preschool- Strategies for Teachers
This research paper helps teachers build knowledge of dual language development and evidence-based instructional strategies to support Multilingual Learners. It describes practical strategies and approaches included in “Supporting Children with Language Differences” (a professional development program that all preschool teachers can use), including formative assessment, specific language-support strategies, adaptations to classroom activities to promote oral language, receptive language, and pre-literacy skills.Read More
Tip Sheet: Supporting Emergent Bilingual Children in Early Learning
This resource provides a checklist of promising practices to support Multilingual Learners, including how to support the home language and culture, vocabulary strategies, instructional adjustments, and hands-on learning. This resource promotes an asset-based view of linguistic diversity and helps teachers build knowledge of dual language development.Read More
Website Article: Advocacy Tools-Implementing the English Learner Roadmap and Affirming the Rights of English Learners
There are three bilingual, downloadable guides in this article that help inform families and other community members about California’s English Learner Roadmap. These bilingual resources offer explanations and advice on how to best advocate for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Reflection Tool: Dual Language Learner Supports
This self-reflection tool helps teachers develop their self-reflection skills and think about how they are supporting Multilingual Learners in their classroom. Coaches and teachers can use the tool to review instructional practices, identify children’s strengths, and plan for next steps.Read More
Guidebook: Engaging ELL Families-Twenty Strategies for School Leaders
This document offers clear information and actionable steps for school administrators to take to connect with families of Multilingual Learners.Read More
Research Article: Teaching English Language Learners-What the Research Does–and Does Not– Say
Author and researcher Claude Goldenberg offers a comprehensive review of the research associated with educating Multilingual Learners.Read More
Flyer: Identifying English Learners with Disabilities
This flyer offers three evidence-based recommendations on how to recognize when Multilingual Learners may have a learning disability. Additional links are offered to learn more about supporting Multilingual Learners with disabilities.Read More
Website: Support for Immigrant and Refugee Students
This website offers multiple downloadable guides to support the well-being, rights, and education of immigrant and refugee students in California.Read More
Overview: English Learner Typologies Chart
This simple chart offers key characteristics for the many student labels – like newcomers, long-term English Learners, and Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) – that are associated with Multilingual Learners. Information about the different implications and needs of these groups of students is offered as well.Read More
Overview: English Learner Typologies
There are many labels associated with Multilingual Learners (e.g. immigrants, English Learners, and newcomers). This document explains the difference across the terminology and describes the "diversity within" this group of students so that teachers can better understand students as individuals.Read More
