This summer, we launched a Science of Reading: The Podcast miniseries to explore how the Science of Reading supports multilingual/English learners (ML/ELs). Join us to recap these six episodes full of expert insights and dive deep into the discussions shaping the future of biliteracy education.
How does the inform the needs of ML/ELs?
To answer this question and explore inclusive and effective literacy strategies, we gathered experts from several corners of the education world.听
Drawing on the insights of these six experts, each episode peels back the layers of traditional and emerging teaching approaches to offer a fresh perspective on how we as educators can support ML/ELs more effectively. Here are some of the key topics they discuss:
- The rapid increase in ML/ELs in classrooms, and why meeting their specific needs is more crucial now than ever
- The cognitive advantages of bilingual education, and of valuing and leveraging linguistic diversity
- Teaching strategies and foundational skills, such as phonemic awareness, that integrate the Science of Reading to meet the needs of ML/ELs
- Diagnosing and supporting ML/ELs with dyslexia, and the critical importance of developing a nuanced understanding of literacy development
- Advice and success stories from seasoned educators who鈥檝e implemented effective literacy practices for ML/ELs
We鈥檙e so excited to share a recap of each podcast episode, and we hope you feel inspired to experience the words of our experts firsthand! Let鈥檚 dive in.
Episode 1: Language is always an asset, with 猫咪AV Vice President of Biliteracy Kajal Patel Below
In our miniseries opener, Kajal Patel Below dives into the details of how the Science of Reading intersects with ML/EL education. She highlights the urgent need for educational systems to better support these learners, as well as the critical gaps in teacher preparedness and overarching research landscape鈥攕tating 鈥�only 30% of teachers feel fully prepared to teach multilingual learners.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檝e got an underserved group that鈥檚 only growing,鈥� Below says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 time to align our research and teaching methods to their needs.鈥� She also makes it clear that adjusting our approach to the Science of Reading is crucial to enhancing how we support ML/ELs.
Here are some key points discussed in the episode:
- It鈥檚 not all about phonics. Yes, phonics is essential, but it shouldn鈥檛 overshadow the development of language comprehension, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary.
- Advocacy is key. Below discusses an important joint statement issued by The Reading League and the National Committee for Effective Literacy advocating for evidence-based literacy instruction tailored to the needs of ML/ELs.
- Language is an asset. Below views language skills as assets, not deficits, a perspective shift vital for fostering educational environments where ML/ELs can thrive.听
Listen to the full conversation with Kajal Patel Below to learn more!
Episode 2: 听Nurturing multilingualism, with Jim Cummins, Ph.D.
In this episode, Jim Cummins, Ph.D., kicks things off by diving into the cognitive benefits of bilingual education, leading with a simple truth: 鈥淭he more linguistic skills and the more literate skills we have, the more opportunities we have.鈥澨�
Here are some of his insights:
- Bilingual education enhances cognitive development, not just language skills.听
- We can leverage linguistic diversity.
- Classrooms must embrace translanguaging. 听
鈥淭eaching in a multilingual classroom requires creativity and adaptability,鈥� he says, 鈥渂ut the rewards are immense. We鈥檙e preparing students for a globalized world where multilingualism is an asset.鈥�
Listen to the full conversation with Jim Cummins to learn more!
Episode 3: Diagnosing dyslexia in multilingual learners, with Francisco Usero-Gonz谩lez
听“Dyslexia transcends language barriers,鈥� Francisco Usero-Gonz谩lez says, 鈥渁nd must be approached with an understanding of the multifaceted nature of students.”
So how can educators better detect dyslexia among ML/ELs, and what steps can be taken?
Here are a few of Usero-Gonz谩lez鈥檚 strategies for success:
- Identify and address dyslexia early.
- Enhance collaboration.
- Begin assessments and interventions in the student’s first language to establish a baseline.
Listen to the full conversation with Francisco Usero-Gonz谩lez to learn more.
Episode 4: 听Practical strategies for multilingual learning, with Diane August, Ph.D.
What do we know about older ML/ELs? And how do we ensure that they not only catch up, but excel in new linguistic environments?
Diane August, Ph.D., explores these questions and more, sharing her extensive expertise on supporting older ML/ELs and the methods required to effectively enhance literacy and language acquisition among this diverse student group. Her bottom line? “Empowering older multilingual learners requires a blend of high expectations and strategic support.”
She offered the following guidance for educators working with older ML/ELs:
- Translate content: Ensure students access grade-level content in their home language.
- Enhance understanding: Preview vocabulary before engaging with the text.
- Engage students actively: Encourage partner discussions based on text and key vocabulary.
“By adopting these strategies, educators can create a learning environment that supports all students,鈥� August says, 鈥渆specially those facing the dual challenges of mastering a new language and meeting academic standards.”
Listen to the full conversation with Diane August to learn more.
Episode 5: 听Serving every student, in every seat, speaking any language, with Genie Baca
With three decades in education informing her journey, Baca evolved from a balanced literacy literacy advocate to being fully invested in the Science of Reading.
Listen to hear how strong leadership, a dedicated staff, and research-based educational methodologies helped her successfully cultivate an inclusive and effective learning environment for ML/ELs.
Some of Baca’s insights and strategies for driving literacy success at Eastridge Elementary:
- Adapt communication to meet diverse linguistic needs. Eastridge uses translators to create audio messages in students鈥� home languages, ensuring vital information is accessible to all families.
- Recognize the foundational role of oral language in literacy. Baca emphasizes rigorous language use in the classroom, detailing strategies like requiring full-sentence responses and structured peer discussions to reinforce language skills.
- Use culturally responsive materials. Culturally relevant and multilingual materials ensure all students find relatable and comprehensible content, aiding in both language and literacy development.
For more specific, actionable approaches, tune into 叠补肠补鈥檚 episode and check out the accompanying .
Episode 6: 听Curating a confident classroom for multilingual learners, with Arturo Valadez S谩enz
鈥淚t鈥檚 all about confidence, building the student鈥檚 confidence,鈥� says Arturo Valadez S谩enz, a bilingual demonstration teacher from Dallas Independent School District. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge component of preparing students to be successful.鈥�
This confidence is a cornerstone of Valadez S谩enz鈥檚 teaching philosophy, which he has built over many years throughout his career in marketing in Monterrey, Mexico, and as an educator in Texas. In this episode, he outlines his dynamic approach to bilingual education, in which he alternates between English and Spanish instruction to keep students engaged and help them build skills in both languages.听
Valadez S谩enz also emphasizes the importance of leveraging the strengths of bilingual pairs to foster collaboration and mutual learning among students with varying language proficiencies.听听
Here are a couple of Valadez S谩enz鈥檚 tips for implementing his approach to cultivate a supportive classroom environment:
- Build student confidence.
- Set high expectations and believe students will meet them.
- Foster a culture of collaboration.
- Teach writing strategies.
- Introduce and share learning goals, along with success criteria.
- Build student confidence by, for example, walking around the classroom and giving everyone a check mark.
Listen to the full conversation with Arturo Valadez S谩enz to dive into more strategies.
More to explore:
- Join thousands of educators听like you by subscribing to !
- Blog post: 鈥�5 ways to boost biliteracy with the Science of Reading鈥�
- Download your copy of our ebook: Unleashing Powerful Writers: Providing Strong Writing Instruction for Multilingual/English Learners
