11) Building educators’ capacity
How can I build my capacity to serve Multilingual Learners?
Webinar: Starting a Dual Language Bilingual Program for Young Bilinguals
Educators at a newly formed bilingual school in New York City discuss "lessons learned" as they launched their program. They talk through their thinking about curriculum decisions, allocation of time in each language, physical space in the school, staff development, and relationship building with families. The last portion of the webinar is a Q&A.Read More
Webinar: Teaching Practices and Translanguaging Pedagogy
Educators at a newly formed 50-50 Spanish-English bilingual program in New York discuss their program design. They discuss how they systematically implement bilingual curriculum, use thematic units, and purposefully employ translanguaging techniques to integrate content and language instruction. Researcher Ofelia Garcia offers a reflection on translanguaging pedagogy at the end of the webinar.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
Video: Model Curriculum for English Learners- Justice, Courage and Fairness (2nd grade)
In this video, a designated teacher for Multilingual Learners talks through her objectives for a fairness and justice lesson. The bridge lesson incorporates opportunities for Multilingual Learners to share their thinking and practice oral language in English. The content matches up to prior learning they have done in Spanish.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
Tip Sheet: Inviting and Supporting Cultural Guides and Home Language Models
Cultural guides and home language models are people who can help make Multilingual Learners (MLs) and families feel welcome as they adjust to new environments. This resource explains how to identify and include cultural guides and home language models in the classroom to support MLs.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
Website: Planned Language Approach – Tips for Getting Started
The Planned Language Approach (PLA) is a comprehensive, research-based system for Head Start, Early Head Start, and early learning programs to ensure high-quality language and literacy experiences for all children, including Multilingual Learners. This website provides tips and links for educators and families to learn about implementing PLA.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
Article: DRDP – A Strengths-Based Approach to Assessing Young DLLs
This article describes how the California Department of Education’s Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) helps to assess Multilingual Learners while considering their cultural and linguistic characteristics. The DRDP can be used to assess children’s proficiency in their home language and English and helps educators learn about children’s literacy and oral language skills.Read More
Brochure: Desired Results for Children and Families
This brochure provides a brief overview of the California Department of Education's Desired Results (DR) System, designed to improve program quality in early care and education programs across the state. The brochure contains links and contact information that administrators can use to explore the system further.Read More
Website: CDE Consultant Regional Assignments
This website contains a list of California counties and the Early Learning and Care Division Consultants assigned to each region. Programs can use this information to find consultants who are available to provide assistance and answer questions about early education and support.Read More
Article: Alignment of the DRDP and California Learning and Development Foundations
This article explains the alignment between the California Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) and the California Learning and Development Foundations for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This article also explains how programs can use the DRDP to focus intentional efforts on supporting children’s learning and development.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
Flyer: Creating Strong Partnerships Between Parents, Educators and Community Members to Offer Bilingual and Biliteracy Programs (Spanish)
This flyer (written in Spanish) provides an overview of Proposition 58 for parents, families, and the school community. It is written to respond to the common question: "Would you like your child to be bilingual and biliterate?"Read More
Flyer: Creating Strong Partnerships Between Parents, Educators and Community Members to Offer Bilingual and Biliteracy Programs (Punjabi)
This flyer (written in Punjabi) provides an overview of Proposition 58 for parents, families, and the school community. It is written to respond to the common question: "Would you like your child to be bilingual and biliterate?"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
Educator Toolkit: My Name, My Identity- Creating an Inclusive and Respectful School Community
This digital book supports the socio-emotional learning of students by introducing example lesson plans that center on Multilingual Learners' identity. The resource includes videos, book lists, lesson plans, and many extension activities and further resources to help teachers build a healthy, asset-based community in the classroom.Read More
Flyer: Creating Strong Partnerships Between Parents, Educators and Community Members to Offer Bilingual and Biliteracy Programs
This flyer provides an overview of Proposition 58 for parents, families, and the school community. It is written to respond to the common question: "Would you like your child to be bilingual and biliterate?"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
Website Article: Developing Empathy to Build Warm, Inclusive Classrooms
This resource provides a list of eight strategies to engage with Multilingual Learners in a warm and inclusive way. This resource also provides a link to a more comprehensive article, “Culturally Responsive Strategies to Support Young Children with Challenging Behavior."Read More
Article: Assessing Young Dual Language Learners
This article introduces ideas for formative assessment, as well as key questions for teachers to ask themselves when assessing Multilingual Learners. The third page of the article offers five practical ways that teachers can develop their own assessment skills.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
Policy Brief: Culturally Responsive Teaching
This downloadable policy brief dives into the research and discussion of 8 competencies for culturally responsive teaching. An infographic on the website offers a good preview of the content.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
Strategy Overview: Supporting Bilingualism
Research has proven that the strongest foundation for academic success and high levels of literacy for Multilingual Learners is the development of both their home language and English. This overview describes strategies that schools, teachers, and families can use to support multilingualism.Read More
Checklist: Diversity of Experiences
This simple checklist helps teachers identify the diversity across a classroom of learners. Reflecting and gathering information about family and student backgrounds helps build relationships and trust.Read More
Strategy Overview: Testimonios
Testimonio, a Spanish term for "witness account," is a storytelling pedagogy that emerged from Latin American culture and narrative research methodology. Used in the classroom, testimonios can be written, oral, and/or visual representations of Multilingual Learners' experiences that support home language development and engage families in children's learning.Read More
Strategy Overview: Si Se Puede
Si Se Puede is a set of strategies to elevate Multilingual Learners' perception of the status of their home language, countering the messages learners often receive about English dominance.Read More
Strategy Overview: Gallery Walks
In this culminating activity at the end of a thematic unit, posters and student work are displayed around the classroom while children guide family members, teachers, or peers through the room, explaining the concepts they've learned. The opportunity to explain concepts to visitors gives children an authentic purpose for using language and demonstrating their knowledge.Read More
Strategy Overview: Celebrating Bilingualism-Pathways to Biliteracy
This document offers a variety of examples for both classroom and school-wide implementation for a Seal of Biliteracy. Now that a biliteracy seal is available in California and other U.S. states, offering high-quality bilingual materials and structuring opportunities to celebrate bilingualism with students and families can begin as early as PreK.Read More
Strategy Overview: Family Cohorts
This resource explains how to partner with families by establishing cohorts and home-school connections. Family cohorts can help to create a site-wide culture that values family engagement to support dual language learning. Resources for family cohort meetings are provided, such as a sample agenda and a blank planning template.Read More
Strategy Overview: Budding Bilingual Celebrations
This resource describes the importance of creating a celebration for Multilingual Learners and their families to promote bilingualism. This celebration helps to create an asset-based view of linguistic diversity and establish a site-wide culture that values dual language learning.Read More
Template: Self-Reflection Tool and Roles in Supporting Children’s Oral Language Development
This resource helps teachers reflect on the multiple roles they play in supporting children’s oral language development. The tool asks teachers about their use of practices such as maintaining and promoting conversations, asking a variety of questions, talking about books, and working with families.Read More
Flyer: Questions and Answers about Dual Language Learning (Spanish)
This handout is filled with information about various dual language learning models and program terminology. It is particularly useful as a guide for families to ask questions and determine the best classroom placement for their child.Read More
Video: Bilingualism Through the Eyes of a Student
Students share their ideas about the benefits of being bilingual. They explain why speaking two languages is important and a source of pride.Read More
Flyer: Myths and Research about Bilingual Development
This document lists common myths about bilingual development and offers research-based responses. It explains dual language instruction for Multilingual Learners, and teaches families about the benefits of home language development.Read More
Handout: Support Bilingualism (Spanish)
This handout shares nine different strategies that families can use to support the home language development of their children. Sharing this type of information builds a culture that values dual language learning and family engagement.Read More
Video: Bilingualism Through the Eyes of Families
Family members share their ideas about the benefits of being bilingual. They explain how speaking two languages is critical to maintain family life and cultural identity.Read More
Video: Hands-On Work with Planning Tools for Personalized Oral Language Learning (POLL)
This video explains how administrators can support teachers' use of oral language strategies. By supporting teachers in planning, administrators can create a site-wide culture that values dual language learning.Read More
Webinar: Exploration of Myths and Facts Regarding Dual Language Learners
In this video Dr. Linda Espinosa, the author of the policy brief, Challenging Common Myths About Dual Language Learners, talks through the research on instruction for PreK-3rd Multilingual Learners.Read More
Video: Home Language Supports
This video highlights the importance of supporting the home language(s) of Multilingual Learners. This video supports teachers and administrators in developing an asset-based view of linguistic diversity.Read More
Video: Identifying Language Models
This video discusses how administrators can support Multilingual Learners by identifying a person who can serve as a language model. It also shows how family engagement can support dual language learning.Read More
Policy Brief: PreK-3rd Challenging Common Myths about Dual Language Learning
This resource provides updated information to challenge common myths that educators, parents and/or community members may have about instruction for PreK-3rd Multilingual Learners. This brief does not need to be read in sequence, as each myth is described in a short section of text.Read More
