Multilingual Learning & Continuous Improvement

from Education Connection Winter 2023

WA State Classified Employee of the Year

with an Eye on Dual Language Programs

This past summer the NWESD hired Heidi LaMare as Regional Multilingual Learning (MLL) and Continuous Improvement Coordinator. Heidi came to the NWESD as an English Language Learner Coach, Teacher, Teacher Trainer, and District Administrator with over 35 years of experience. She has been at the forefront of multilingual work, serving on the State dual language committee which advises the Superintendent of Public Instruction on proposed changes. As a part of her role at the NWESD Heidi is excited to support the NWESD ML Cooperative. Twenty percent of Heidi’s time is devoted to the NWESD MLL Co-op - a subscription-based service for districts wanting English learner support, professional learning support, MLL program delineation or review, grant writing, as well as networking with other districts to support English learners. The NWESD has 16 member districts in the MLL Cooperative. With this membership they receive professional development, monthly information sessions, grant support, and program improvement services.

Heidi teaches a Co-Planning for MLL series for classroom teachers and MLL Specialists, and runs a series of online classes for anyone interested in the MLL work. The bulk of Heidi’s time is dedicated to supporting districts and the Office of Systems and School Improvement (OSSI) Continuous Improvement Partners with MLL program improvement. This support is focused on MLL growth data and how schools can re-center their work around the gifts multilingual students bring. To stay connected at the state level, Heidi attends bi-monthly MLL meetings jointly with OSPI and AESD. At OSPI there is a big push to increase dual language schools across the state.

What is a Dual Language program?

In schools that have dual language programs, classroom content is taught partially in English and partly in a partner language. In Washington, most dual language programs are taught in Spanish and English, though some include partner languages Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, and tribal languages. The local school district selects the partner language alongside their community. Dual language programs begin in preschool or kindergarten and continue throughout high school. In elementary school, students may have one multilingual teacher who teaches both languages at different times of day, or two teachers who each teach exclusively in one of the languages. OSPI resources http://bit.ly/3ExnXbk

The Three Pillars of Dual Language

Bilingualism & Biliteracy High Academic Achievement Sociocultural Competence

Dual Language is the best model for ML’s to achieve success. Dual language has the possibility to be a big motivator in changing the environment for all students, particularly Latinx students. As educators, dual language can have a big impact. It is complex and has amazing outcomes, and not just about the language, there are many different parts to dual language programs. Dual language programs are more than a way to teach language. They are centered around three goals called the Pillars of Dual Language. The first pillar is Bilingualism and Biliteracy. Students in dual language programs will learn both languages and be able to speak and listen, as well as read and write in the two languages. The second pillar is focused on academic achievement. Students in dual language programs will achieve skills in all the content areas and use both languages to learn them. This is a significant difference between dual language and a world language program, because in dual language you will be learning math, science, social studies, and all other subjects in both languages. The last pillar, Sociocultural Competence, is key to achievement of a strong program. This is where students learn about cultural differences and celebrate those differences. They build an awareness of global citizenship and develop a powerful sense of identity, community pride, and awareness.

Getting Started with Dual Language:

As districts get started with re-evaluating the needs of their MLL students, they should start by focusing on what type of program model will best serve students, as well as fit their own context and demographics. In many schools, more than half of the children entering kindergarten speak Spanish at home. A dual program can be a whole school, or it can start as two classrooms within a school.

Get input from your community!

OSPI recommends starting a Dual Language Advisory board as part of planning for dual language. The board should match your school demographics and be representative of MLLs in membership. Planning for a dual language program takes at least a year and often two years. Dual language is a program that has long-term benefits and must be developed carefully.

Overview of OPSI’s proposed Dual Language Legislation includes:

• Increase Heritage & Dual Language Grants • 1.2 FTE Weighted Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program Guidance • Allocation for Students in Dual Language Programs • Increase Language & Literacy Supports for Alaska Indian/Alaska Native Students • Support for Residency Educatory Prep Models • Stipends for Bilingual and Tribal Educators • Require District to offer the Seal of Biliteracy • Increase Tribal Language Program Supports and Grants As OSPI works to increase funding and support for dual language, school districts will be asked to begin thinking and planning to open a program. To see what dual language brings to students and families, view this video outlining the benefits to families. https://youtu.be/EQH95rhIDYs

Regional Support

Heidi LaMare is eager to provide support to the NWESD regional districts. By reviewing school data (WIDA, dropout rates, and SBA data), Heidi can help a district get started by evaluating its program type and looking at possible ways to serve multilingual learners. This data-based approach helps to inform what that district’s program model might look like; dual language programming may be one way that districts better serve their multilingual learners.

Contact: Heidi LaMare, NWESD Regional Coordinator of Multilingual Continuous School Improvement hlamare@nwesd.org ELL/MLL, Dual Language implementation, collaboration and co-teaching and school-and district-based leadership