Building educators’ capacity

11A) Building knowledge of dual language development through research

Build knowledge of dual language development and promoting an asset-based view of linguistic diversity. This includes building knowledge about:
o ML language acquisition
o Evidence-based instructional strategies
o Relationship-building with Multilingual Learner (ML) children
o Cultural competence, diversity, asset-based instruction, and inclusion o Developing partnerships and engaging with ML families

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.
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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.
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Website Article: Celebrating Our Linguistic Strengths

This article offers teachers the research base and findings on the benefits of bilingualism and biliteracy.
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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.
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Video: Dual Language Programs Explained

In this video, researcher Diane August reviews the research base and benefits of bilingual education.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Glossary: Terms about English Learners

This glossary defines many terms which are associated with instruction for Multilingual Learners.
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Research Article: Multilingual Students and Mathematics Education

This article shares current research on how to best consider and structure Mathematics Education for Multilingual Learners.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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