Author: Dr. Margaret Marcus

A well-designed multilingual family literacy initiative won’t transform a household overnight—but when sustained and culturally responsive, it can open up long-term pathways to opportunity. That’s the promise of two-generation education models: they combine early learning for children with adult education, including ESL and workforce training, to support whole families, not just students. These programs meet… Continue reading Two-Generation Education: Multilingual Family Literacy Programs for Communities

The rise in English learner (EL) students in American K-12 schools and increased dual-language program demand have reshaped the realities facing public school leaders, making principal leadership more important than ever. While multilingual learners (MLLs) have long contributed to the cultural and academic vibrancy of schools, their growing presence, particularly in districts not historically seen… Continue reading Principal Leadership for EL Success: Building Multilingual School Champions

In today’s classrooms, bilingual teaching is becoming increasingly essential as it’s not uncommon to find several languages spoken among students. While this linguistic richness is reshaping what effective teaching looks like in the 21st century, a growing number of educators still report feeling ill-equipped to teach students who are still learning English. A 2024 RAND… Continue reading Bilingual Teaching Starts with Every Educator: Professional Development for EL Success – Copy

What happens in the brain when a child speaks two languages? According to a growing body of neuroscientific studies, it gets stronger, enhances learning capacity, and helps protect it throughout life.  Bilingualism cognitive benefits go beyond being an asset for cultural connection and communication and literally rewire the brain, building executive functioning skills that enhance… Continue reading Neuroscience and the Best Bilingualism Cognitive Benefits for Multilingual Brains

Translanguaging —the use of one’s full linguistic repertoire to convey meaning— transforms how multilingual learners (MLLs) embrace their English acquisition. This strategy, once considered unconventional, is now helping educators across the country tap into the full brilliance of multilingual learners. Far from being a niche strategy, translanguaging is supported by a growing body of teachers… Continue reading What Is Translanguaging And How Does It Actually Look Like?

Funding and innovating in education isn’t easy – there are an overwhelming amount of areas that need help. Every aspect of the educational system plays a pivotal role: Students need well-trained, culturally responsive teachers. But they also need physical resources. And support from both school staff and their families. Teachers need professional development opportunities, solid… Continue reading Elevating Student Outcomes Through Philanthropy: DC Public Education Fund’s Story

Picture this: two students in the same district log on for remote learning. One has a stable internet connection, a working device, and a parent who can help troubleshoot tech issues. The other, an English learner (or EL), shares a borrowed device with two siblings, has spotty broadband, and receives tech support in a language… Continue reading Digital Equity in Education: Bridging the Gap for Multilingual Learners

After completing my dissertation research in 2020, I learned two things to be true: 1. There were not enough dual language programs to meet the demand for them; and 2. There were definitely not enough qualified teachers to fill new programs. Almost six years later, our partnership with the National Center for Teacher Residencies addresses… Continue reading How the National Center for Teacher Residencies is Growing the Bilingual Educator Workforce

Lots of teachers I know are hesitant to introduce AI for language learning in their classrooms. I get it, because I had the same initial reaction.  The risks are considerable: from cheating on assignments, having all voices sound the same, or losing critical thinking skills, this type of tech can impact academic integrity. But we… Continue reading Powerful AI for Language Learning: Generative Tech & Multilingual Classrooms

All around the country, district leaders are deploying digital strategies to reach families who have long been sidelined by traditional outreach. From two-way texting to QR-code storytelling, tech-powered engagement is helping schools connect with multilingual families—many of whom were previously missed by flyers, voicemails, or meetings in English. Post-pandemic shifts have only accelerated this move.… Continue reading Tech-Powered Tools and Strategies That Increase Multilingual Digital Family Engagement