As the U.S. educational landscape evolves, English learners constitute one of the most rapidly growing demographics in schools. However, teachers frequently express feelings of being ill-equipped to address the diverse needs of these students. This forum will engage participants in a discussion about the teacher training systems currently in place, the policies influencing instructional methods, and the effective classroom practices that can enhance the learning experiences of multilingual pupils.
Participants can expect to gain:
- Insights backed by research into dual-language programs: exploring their target demographics, addressing ongoing inequities, and identifying promising solutions.
- Recent national statistics illustrating teacher perceptions of their professional development regarding English learners, highlighting existing gaps and areas for improvement.
- Actionable techniques to support English learners within the framework of modern reading science, focusing on the importance of bridging languages and making connections explicit across linguistic boundaries.
- Interactive opportunities for self-reflection, including a quiz designed to assess knowledge acquired during the event.
Attendees will depart with practical strategies aimed at fostering equity and expanding opportunities for this varied group of learners.
Is this your first K-12 Essentials Forum? Discover more about our complimentary virtual forums.
Agenda
2:00pm ET
Welcome & Introduction
Presenter: Daniela Franco Brown
We will review significant findings from recent Education Week articles focused on the support of English learners.
Daniela Franco Brown serves as an Assistant Managing Editor for issues surrounding race, opportunity, and equity.
2:10pm ET
Interactive Session: The Landscape of Teacher Training on English Learners
Presenters: Daniela Franco Brown & Alex Harwin
What percentage of teachers across the nation believe that their professional development for working with English learners is adequate? Furthermore, how much training do they receive in engaging English-learner families? What are the needs of teachers concerning the ability to help students navigate between languages in the classroom? Join Education Week staff as they unpack new insights from the EdWeek Research Center survey findings.
Daniela Franco Brown, again, brings her expertise as the Assistant Managing Editor focused on race, opportunity, and equity.
Alex Harwin is a quantitative research analyst at the EdWeek Research Center.
Sponsor content provided by Sora.
More information to follow!
2:30pm ET
Panel Discussion: How Schools Are Supporting English Learners in the Science of Reading Era
As educational institutions pivot towards evidence-based reading instruction, they must discern how these transformations benefit both English learners and bilingual students. This session will highlight on-the-ground strategies for integrating language bridges and making language connections clear, ensuring that the latest reading reforms do not overlook multilingual students. Educators and researchers will offer valuable insights into effective practices and the alignment of policies with the needs of a diverse student body.
Sponsor content provided by Avant Assessment.
Details forthcoming!
3:25pm ET
Panel Discussion: Who Truly Benefits from Dual-Language Programs?
As dual-language immersion programs proliferate nationwide, it raises critical questions about their beneficiaries. Are English learners receiving fair access, or are native English speakers reaping the majority of the rewards? This session will delve into the advantages, challenges, and equity concerns associated with dual-language education, incorporating recent research and firsthand experiences from the field.
3:55pm ET
Test Your Knowledge: Teacher Training on English Learners
Presenters: Daniela Franco Brown & Alex Harwin
Throughout the forum, Education Week staff shared critical insights about the national landscape of education for English learners and the preparedness of teachers to engage with this expanding student base. Solidify your understanding by participating in an interactive quiz designed to test your knowledge.
Daniela Franco Brown continues to share her expertise as the Assistant Managing Editor for race, opportunity, and equity.
Alex Harwin, the quantitative research analyst from the EdWeek Research Center, lends his insights on this topic.
4:05pm ET
Closing Thoughts
Presenter: Daniela Franco Brown
In conclusion, the discussions of the day have highlighted both the pressing challenges and emerging solutions in the education of English learners within our school systems.
Daniela Franco Brown concludes the forum as the Assistant Managing Editor focused on race, opportunity, and equity.
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