7/9/2023

Five Strategies for Implementing Science of Reading and Cultural Support for Multilingual Students

Educational leaders have a duty to ensure all students, including Emergent Bilingual (EB) students, receive the academic and cultural support necessary for success. Educators have the power to shape the educational landscape, make a lasting impact, and create spaces where all students can thrive. School leaders can empower educators to enhance their skills and knowledge while advocating for comprehensive professional development opportunities. This discussion aims to provide academic and cultural support to EB students and highlight practical strategies promoting systemic, long-term impact.

Phrases like “Emergent Bilingual” (EB) and “Multilingual Learners” (MLs), rather than the more common term “English Learner,” emphasize the students' capacity for, and evolving path toward, bilingualism or multilingualism and underscore a culturally responsive approach. The focus becomes one of asset rather than deficit.

The blueprint for success is twofold: Neither aspect can function effectively in isolation from the other. Emergent Bilingual students require academic backing and cultural reinforcement to excel. This unified approach will guarantee every student has the necessary conditions to tap into and unleash their innate potential.

Cultural Responsiveness and the Science of Reading: Complementary Forces

While the importance of the science of reading for Emergent Bilingual students is acknowledged, its effectiveness is often at odds due to its deficient approach when applied to Emergent Bilingual students. Educators must deeply understand the scientific principles underpinning EBs reading acquisition. Employing research-backed strategies in teaching plans enables instructors to assist all students in building robust reading capabilities. Specifically, EB learners reap substantial benefits when educators adopt a Structured Literacy approach, incorporating step-by-step instructions and assimilation of their native language into the lessons.

Additionally, cultural responsiveness is pivotal to creating an inclusive, equitable learning environment for EB students. It involves incorporating diverse texts representing various cultures and languages into the curriculum. In doing so, students see themselves and their experiences reflected in what they read, making learning more engaging and relatable.

There often needs to be more clarity about the relationship between cultural responsiveness and the science of reading. The key is understanding these elements are not mutually exclusive but complementary. The science of reading equips educators with tools for effective literacy instruction, while cultural responsiveness ensures the curriculum mirrors the diversity of students. By combining these approaches, a more holistic learning environment can be created.

Systemic Impact through Equity Practices and Professional Development

To make a meaningful difference in the lives of EB students, educators must go beyond just talking about equity improvements. Robust strategies must be put into action that have the power to drive long-term impact. To meet the unique needs of these students, a dual-pronged approach of providing academic and cultural support shines a light on how effective well-rounded strategies can be.

Professional development programs rooted in the science of reading and culturally responsive pedagogy are instrumental in this endeavor. They equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the unique needs of EB students. Programs such as Lexia LETRS®(Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) offer deep foundational knowledge educators need for effective reading instruction.

In addition, school and district leaders play a vital role in supporting teachers by providing resources like Lexia® English Language Development®, a language development solution designed for multilingual learners. This tool offers personalized instruction that considers students' unique backgrounds and experiences.

Effective Strategies for Long-Term Success of Emergent Bilingual Students

Developing and implementing strategies that promote systemic, long-term impact for EB students is crucial. Here, are a few effective key strategies:

1. Fostering a Culturally Responsive Learning Environment: Culturally responsive teaching not only celebrates the diversity of students but also enhances their learning outcomes. It includes incorporating diverse texts representing various cultures and languages into the curriculum. This practice aids students in seeing their experiences reflected in what they read, making learning more engaging and relevant. Moreover, encouraging educators to acknowledge and leverage students' cultural backgrounds and home languages can drive deeper connections and enhance understanding.
2. Emphasizing Professional Development: Providing teachers with training opportunities focused on the science of reading and culturally responsive pedagogy equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the unique needs of EB students. Regular professional development ensures teaching strategies remain current and effective.
3. Using Evidence-Based Instructional Tools: Utilizing tools like Lexia English, educators can offer personalized instruction that considers students' unique backgrounds and experiences. Lexia English, paired with comprehensive professional learning such as LETRS, provides a powerful combination that supports effective reading instruction. Further, data-monitoring tools allow educators to track student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies, enabling timely adjustments as needed.
4. Promoting Family Engagement: Encouraging family participation can support EB students' academic and cultural learning. Schools can host family literacy nights, provide materials in families' home languages, and invite parents to participate in school events to foster a strong home-school connection.
5. Implementing Inclusive Policies: At a systemic level, advocating for policies prioritizing EB students' needs is critical. Such policies include providing adequate resources for culturally responsive curriculum development, ensuring access to quality professional development, and promoting hiring practices that value bilingualism and biculturalism.

Implementing these strategies requires commitment and effort from all stakeholders. However, the resulting inclusive, effective learning environments for EB students will undoubtedly yield significant long-term benefits, ensuring all students, regardless of language proficiency or cultural background, have the opportunity to excel.

Embracing Both Cultural and Academic Support: A Mission for School Leaders

The success of Emergent Bilingual students hinges on the successful integration of academic and cultural support. Many school leaders’ goals are to foster inclusivity and equity in education, ensuring all students, regardless of language proficiency or cultural background, have the opportunity to excel.

Creating an environment that champions the science of reading while embracing culturally responsive pedagogy is imperative. By empowering educators with the necessary training in equity practices, an inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of EB students can be created.

Ultimately, it boils down to: You cannot have one without the other. Emergent Bilingual students need both academic and cultural support to thrive. It is time to take up the mantle, invest in effective strategies and resources, and commit to providing comprehensive support that ensures all students reach their full potential.

Closing Thoughts

The pursuit of educational excellence for Emergent Bilingual students relies on integrating academic and cultural support. Educators’ work extends beyond merely fostering inclusivity and equity. They are responsible for nurturing an environment that simultaneously values the science of reading and celebrates cultural diversity.

This multifaceted mission requires definitive action: From investing in teacher training programs focused on equity practices to selecting evidence-based instructional tools to advocate for inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of EB students. Each of these strategies forms a crucial part of a comprehensive support system.

However, the mission continues. Educators must continually adapt and improve, employing data to drive decisions, staying informed about the latest research, and listening to the voices of students and their families. At the core of this work is the understanding that academic instruction and cultural respect are not merely parallel tracks but intersecting lines of a student's journey. It is within this intersection that Emergent Bilingual students truly flourish.

Now, more than ever, educators must rise to the challenge. It is time to commit to this cause; harness the collective power to create schools where every student, regardless of language proficiency or cultural background, has the opportunity to thrive. It is time to step up, invest, and ensure every student has the chance to reach their full potential.