SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language)’s Post

I recently surveyed bilingual special education teachers that serve English Language Learners in self-contained classrooms. I asked them about the biggest challenges they face when supporting this unique population of students, and here’s what I found: 🚨 71% - Adapting curriculum and materials to be accessible and engaging. (Most stated this was due to time constraints). 🚨 71% - Limited access to assistive technology, culturally relevant materials, and resources. 🚨 43% - Assessing language proficiency vs learning challenges These findings highlight the urgent need for: 💡 Resources and frameworks that guide educators in adapting materials for multilingual learners with special needs. 💡 Sharing information about grant opportunities and readily available resources for assistive technology, culturally relevant materials, and other essential tools. 💡 Investing in high-quality professional development that equip educators with the skills to assess language proficiency alongside learning challenges, and effectively differentiate instruction for this unique student population. Multilingual and special educators, I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you on this! #specialeducation #multilingualeducation #bilingualeducators #ELLs

📚 In our recent parent and educator survey, respondents expressed overwhelming support to increase bilingual teachers and bilingual/dual language programs. You can download the white paper here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwzDfgWj As I listen to these students in this story, it breaks my heart to see them not receiving additional support. The student translating is common in classrooms when you don't have the adequate resources for emergent bilinguals, which takes them away from their own learning. We need more bilingual teachers in the classroom! 💡 How do we begin to develop our future teachers early on in a child's educational journey? What about our emergent bilingual students? Possibly one of the student groups to equip and build the bilingual teacher pipeline. ¿Que piensas? https://lnkd.in/gqcq-MUK

I have been working with teachers across the country for the past year, implementing our organization's English communication improvement program. I was aware of the need for such a program in the school, however, the number was surprising. Teachers in English medium schools, both in low and middle-income schools cannot make children communicate in the language and I tried to deep-dive into the cases. 1. Linguistic Diversity: Research by the National Center for Education Statistics highlights that low-income and rural schools often serve diverse student populations with various primary languages. This linguistic diversity can create challenges for teachers, especially if they haven't received comprehensive training in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. 2. Limited Resources: According to a recent report from the Education Trust, schools in low-income and rural areas often struggle with limited resources, including funding for professional development programs. This lack of resources can hinder teachers' ability to enhance their English language skills or access specialized training. 3. Isolation and Access: Anecdotal evidence suggests that teachers in rural areas may experience professional isolation, making engaging in language-focused professional development opportunities challenging. Limited access to online resources or workshops focused on language proficiency can further exacerbate this issue. 4. Cultural Barriers: Cultural factors can also affect English fluency among teachers in low-income schools. For instance, teachers from non-English-speaking backgrounds may face cultural barriers that impact their confidence in using English effectively, particularly in academic settings. 5. Policy and Support: The Brookings Institution's analysis indicates that policy frameworks often overlook the specific needs of educators in low-income and rural schools regarding language proficiency support. Lack of targeted policies and support systems can impede efforts to address English fluency gaps among teachers. As we strive for educational equity, we must recognize and address these challenges. Collaborative efforts involving policymakers, education stakeholders, and communities are essential to providing teachers in low-income and rural areas with the necessary resources, training, and support to enhance their English fluency and, ultimately, improve student outcomes. #EducationEquity #LanguageProficiency #RuralEducation #TeacherDevelopment #FLN

To thrive in bilingual education, research schools meticulously for strong programs, cultivate a language-rich environment at home, and maintain consistent exposure to both languages. Communication with educators is vital for addressing any challenges, while encouraging regular practice and celebrating progress can keep children motivated and engaged. By following these strategies, families can support their children's success in bilingual education and nurture a lifelong appreciation for language and cultural diversity. Research Thoroughly: Take the time to research schools with strong bilingual programs and supportive resources. Create a Language-Rich Environment: Foster language learning at home by exposing children to both languages through books, media, and cultural activities. Stay Consistent: Maintain regular exposure to both languages to reinforce learning and prevent language attrition. Communicate with Educators: Keep open lines of communication with teachers and school administrators to address any concerns or challenges promptly. Encourage Practice: Encourage children to practice speaking, reading, and writing in both languages regularly to build proficiency and confidence. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate milestones and successes in language learning to keep children motivated and engaged. #alesco #personalisedlearning #empoweringyoungminds #educationmatters #bilingualschools #internationalschools #schoolsearch #schoolplacement #schoolchoice #movingwithkids #relocation #relocationservices #portugalschool #portugal #educationconsultant

From 2000 to 2020, the number of states reporting a bilingual teacher shortage went from 7 to 11. States reporting a shortage of English as a second language teachers rose from 12 to 28. Experts say the dearth of bilingual education teachers in the U.S. stems from a lack of role models, inaccessible and unaffordable higher ed teacher training programs and weak academic language skills among would-be educators. Leaders at the California Center on Teaching Careers are taking steps to overcome those hurdles — measures that might work in other states, too. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEPGU_2Z #BilingualTeachers #ESL #Languages

The population of multilingual learners across the nation is growing and not just in the states that immediately come to mind. This is why it is important that all teachers are prepared to serve multilingual students regardless of location. Ensemble Learning specializes in working with schools that are feeling under-prepared for these students to help teachers and leaders to build their competence and confidence! How are you ensuring your staff is ready to serve multilingual learners? https://lnkd.in/gFxbKxq2

It’s important that all teachers across all grades and content areas have the tools, skills and networks to reach multilingual learners effectively and having served over 200 schools and 100,000 students, we have the team of experts to help schools build this capacity sustainably. #emergentbilinguals #multilingualism #ELLs #teacherprep #bilingualeducation

From 2000 to 2020, the number of states reporting a bilingual teacher shortage went from 7 to 11. States reporting a shortage of English as a second language teachers rose from 12 to 28. Experts say the dearth of bilingual education teachers in the U.S. stems from a lack of role models, inaccessible and unaffordable higher ed teacher training programs and weak academic language skills among would-be educators. Leaders at the California Center on Teaching Careers are taking steps to overcome those hurdles — measures that might work in other states, too. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEPGU_2Z #BilingualTeachers #ESL #Languages

From 2000 to 2020, the number of states reporting a bilingual teacher shortage went from 7 to 11. States reporting a shortage of English as a second language teachers rose from 12 to 28. Experts say the dearth of bilingual education teachers in the U.S. stems from a lack of role models, inaccessible and unaffordable higher ed teacher training programs and weak academic language skills among would-be educators. Leaders at the California Center on Teaching Careers are taking steps to overcome those hurdles — measures that might work in other states, too. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEPGU_2Z #BilingualTeachers #ESL #Languages

Bilingual education is associated with better language and literacy skills, reduced grade repetition and school dropout rates across the globe. Therefore, bilingual education has the potential to facilitate positive learning outcomes if efforts are made to overcome common challenges based on communities’ needs. https://lnkd.in/e8-jJ9U8