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
In tech K-12 classrooms across the U.S., a quiet evolution is taking place. Bilingual robotics clubs, culturally responsive coding classes, and AI-powered language tools are helping multicultural students engage in STEM like never before. From San Luis, Arizona, to Denver Public Schools and national efforts like CSL en Español, culturally responsive STEM is helping build… Continue reading Culturally Responsive STEM: Integrating Heritage Languages into Robotics and Coding Projects
Something we’ve learned from all our years working with multilingual students: When bilingualism is celebrated, protected, and supported, it goes beyond being a cultural strength and becomes a financial opportunity. This is why, when donors invest in dual-language programs, the returns ripple across classrooms, communities, and the economy. The American Council on the Teaching of… Continue reading The ROI of Bilingualism: Wage Premiums & Workforce Gains Every Donor Should Know
Too often, multilingual learners are met with well-meaning sympathy instead of transformative support. But a growing body of evidence shows that the “warm-demander” teaching approach can change that. When a struggling student is paired with a teacher who genuinely believes in them, but also pushes them to go beyond their limits, they can reach academic… Continue reading Warm-Demander Classrooms: New Teaching Strategies and Approaches for Multilingual Learners
