The following breakout sessions were offered at the 2023 Annual Conference
*Most sessions were virtually recorded.
Collaboration and Coteaching Across Program Models
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Andrea Honigsfeld & Dr. Joan Lachance
Participants will explore a comprehensive framework for collaborative practices that support ELs/MLs across service delivery models ranging from stand-alone programs to integrated co-teaching, as well as bilingual and dual language education programs. Participants will (a) identify, describe, and evaluate several instructional and non-instructional collaborative approaches; view and analyze video clips of teacher collaboration in authentic and realistic situations and (b) select, adapt, and combine collaborative arrangements presented that would be feasible for their own teaching situation. The presenters will utilize modeling, authentic examples, participant engagement strategies, and an extensive collection of resources shared digitally via Padlet.
Creating a Comprehensive Schedule as a MLL Mentor and Teacher without Overwhelm for You or the Classroom Teacher
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Melanie Dugan: Marysville School District
We have many roles as MLL specialists. This group will give an overview of working to create a schedule and plan for supporting your ML students, helping them gain English without supplanting their first language(s), mentoring the classroom teachers and creating an environment that promotes and fosters a mindset of MLL as an additive program rather than remediation. Come with your ideas and solutions. This will be an interactive group in which we can learn from one another.
Equity for ALL in Dual Language: Empowering Black students and families to become leaders and experience success in Dual Language.
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Adina Thea, Delila Leber and Zanovia Clark: Highline Public Schools
Equity for ALL in Dual Language will focus on Mount View Elementary’s journey to improve the Dual Language educational experience for our Black students and families. We will share how we researched and implemented specific educational strategies that enhance Black student achievement, with a focus on how they intersect with dual language instructional best practices. We will also discuss strategies that we used to positively connect with our Black parents and student community, building an authentic and diverse Black identity, and empower Black parents to be active members of our Dual Language school community.
Focus on Teaching Functional Language Skills through the WIDA Standards and OCDE Project GLAD(R) Strategies
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Christine Champie: Educational Service District 105
Join us as we dive deep into the WIDA Framework and locate key linguistic skills that can be efficiently taught and practiced through the use of Project GLAD(R) strategies. Students need to develop a core set of language skills that are wrapped up in the Key Language Uses in the WIDA Frameworks. Together we will establish how students can acquire these core language skills through the strategic use of instructional strategies from the OCDE Project GLAD(R) model. We will look at student work samples, connect standards-based instructional strategies to student outcomes and walk through WIDA resources that can be used for monitoring language growth.
Multilingual Data Analysis & Teaching for Transfer
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Jordan Montalvo & Leticia Yallam: Highline Public Schools
Dual Language data should be viewed through a holistic biliteracy framework. Participants will learn about an asset-based multilingual approach to analyzing information about students’ literacy strengths and needs in two program languages. Using student data to drive instructional choices, participants will also learn about various biliteracy instructional strategies for accelerating cross-linguistic transfer & building metalinguistic awareness – essentials to student success in a Dual Language program.
No Hallways
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Narine Balayan & Evan Barbour: Kent School District
What does Hattie’s research say has the most effect on student achievement? Yes, that’s right – Collective Teacher Efficacy. Now, imagine a school that teaches elementary, middle, and high school students with absolutely no pull-out services or MLE courses… Welcome to Kent Laboratory Academy, school that innovates for ALL Learners. Come to learn about our journey and how we provide collaborative teaching services to our multilingual learners through intentional master scheduling, co-planning, co-teaching, ongoing professional development, PLC work and our partnership with University of Washington, Tacoma. Participants will take away ideas and resources on how to start and implement collaborative teaching model within their own school and build capacity within their own staff for providing MLE services to multilingual learners.
Sponsored Session: !Buenas bases, buenas trayectorias y buenos resultados te llevara al éxito final!
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Luz Roth & Lauren Hemann: Istation
Los participantes verán los beneficios de la instrucción en dos lenguas y el trabajo en grupos pequeños para programas duales en la educación bilingüe. Además, exploraran en la aplicación práctica el uso de distintas estrategias y materiales para poder acelerar el aprendizaje a través del uso de centros y juegos de mesa.
Sponsored Session: The Science of Reading in a Spanish Dual Language Classroom
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Nancy Herrera: Pacific Learning
Science of Reading, as it relates to the Bilingual/Dual Language classroom. Join Pacific Learning’s National Dual Language Consultant Nancy Herrera as she breaks down best practices for early reading, as it relates to phonemic awareness and phonics in Spanish.
WIDA ELD Standards Framework: Bringing the “Support” into Supportive Mainstream
Friday, April 28, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Dr. Jennifer Cowgill & Sue Connolly: ESD 123 & OSPI
Supportive Mainstream is utilized across all districts in WA State. How can districts implement the WIDA ELD Standards Framework to ensure our classrooms truly are supportive of Multilingual English Learners? Join us for an opportunity to explore and discuss HOW the WIDA ELD Standards Framework supports core instruction within the Supportive Mainstream model. Appropriate for district leaders, coaches, and teachers.
A Vision for Effective Instruction for Multilingual Learners in Washington State
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Virginia Morales & Dr. Kristin Percy Calaff: OSPI
This session will provide a vision and an overview of multilingual learner programs and services in Washington state. Participants will engage in activities to better understand program requirements, best practices, and use of WIDA standards to ensure their instruction is helping students develop strong academic achievement and language proficiency.
Being an Active Collaborator
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Roxana Ramos Martinez & Claudia Conroy: Highline Public Schools
In this session you’ll be able to identify the value of being an active collaborator and processes of creating community by adopting decolonizing practices. We will explore how setting outcomes will help guide your team create a path of success while building meaningful relationships and supports that will enrich your professional and personal growth.
Design with Intention: Developing a District Dual Language Program Framework
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Catherine Carrison: Carrison Consultancy
Using the WA State Dual Language Program Framework template, participants will learn about the rationale and process for creating a district P-12 DL Framework. Attendees will review key components of the DL Framework and receive resources and guidance to aid in the development of their own district DL program framework.
Empowering Students’ Voice to Inform Equitable Services in High School DL Program
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Marissa Winmill & Angelie Duimovic: Kent School District
This student panel session will provide a glimpse into the perspectives of 9th grade Dual Language scholars about their experiences and their vision in improving dual language education, so our students graduate as global citizens and scholars ready to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Long Term English Learners: Our Statewide Challenge
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Sue Connolly & Katie Sperling: OSPI
In WA State, 42% of our identified multilingual English learners have been identified and receiving services for more than 5 years. Given the significant challenge LTEL status presents to students’ ability to graduate and/or achieve their personal academic potential, the OSPI Multilingual Education Program will share ideas for preventing students from entering LTEL status as well as help students who are LTELs develop English proficiency. This presentation is based upon the recent webinar on LTELs presented by OSPI.
Number Talks and Language Learners: The Power of a Math Language Collaboration
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Jana Dean & Heather Byington: Mathematics Education Collaborative & North Thurston Public Schools
Join us to learn about how through collaborating across our areas of expertise (mathematics learning and language development) we have found ways to make Number Talks work for multilingual learners. Number Talks, a fifteen minute oral language routine, develop powerful number sense and when facilitated with attention to language development, can make a big difference in multilingual learners’ mathematical confidence and achievement.
PLDs & PLCs
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Monica Hulubei Piergallini: Equity Based Instruction LLC
The new WIDA Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) provide a great opportunity for educators to collaborate and learn as they consider how they intentionally incorporate the three dimensions of language named within the WIDA PLDs. In this session we will discuss and learn at least one strategy per Word/Phrase, Sentence, and Discourse level for Multilingual Learners.
Talking about Culture!
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Lourdes Flores, Molly Griffiths, Amy Keiper, Tressa Arbow: Pacific Education Institute
How can we encourage students of multiple languages and cultures to talk? In this session participants will engage in the modeling of an activity to have students talk by describing their art and their culture, sharing, and listening to each other no matter what language they speak!
The Journey of Becoming Bilingual/Multilingual and Story Telling Within Your Everyday Instruction
Friday, April 28, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Antonio Franco Jr.: Tacoma Public Schools
How do we decide that we are qualified to teach in a language that we speak? What gives us the confidence to communicate in multiple languages? How can we incorporate our personal learning journeys through storytelling in everyday teaching?
Actively Engaging Students in Structured Student Talk
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 – 9:00 am
Chelsea Brannock & Alice Jaakola: Wahluke School District
Join our collaborative learning experience as we model and walk you through interactive student talk strategies to take back to the classroom! Learn how to use movement, structure, and academic language to elevate student voice as they: Negotiate meaning, Clarify their own understanding, Share and build on perspectives & externalize thinking.
Building Connections: Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading in the Multilingual Classroom
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Effie Triol: ESD 112
Have you been hearing the terms structured literacy and the science of reading and wondering how these apply to instructional practice for multilingual learners? Let’s unpack some current research and guidance on this topic to build understanding about how to support classroom instructional practice while also connecting it to Washington state initiatives.
Comparison of the Ukrainian and American educational systems with recommendations for refugee supports for acculturation
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Melody Borcherding & Dr. Irina Kourilenko: Everett School District
Come learn about how to improve your service for ML Ukrainian refugees. This session will address the differences in educational systems in the USA and Ukraine and will provide firsthand insights from parents and students. Participants will leave with resources, UDL instructional tools, and discuss the power of SEL.
Essential Characteristics of Quality Dual Language Programs
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Evelyn Chávez: Dual Language Education New Mexico
When building a dual language program, it is critical that you have the right support, resources, shared leadership, and knowledge. Join us for this session that will help you understand everything from the foundational components of dual language, to the systems and relationships that will help ensure a sustainable and successful program.
Guided Language and Math Stories (GLAMS) Grades 3-7: Engaging All Learners and Supporting Language Development
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Heather Byington & David Buitenveld: North Thurston Public Schools
A Middle School Math Teacher and Language Support Specialist collaborate to redesign math instruction in a project called GLAMS (Guided Language and Math Stories). Visual Interactive Math Stories (VIMS) center around visual models and elicit students’ voices. The session features video examples and collaboration with others.
Language Routines: Instructional Moves to Integrate WIDA Standards into Content
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Katelynn Brown & Carrie Sorensen: WABE
This workshop provides experiencing and engaging with Integrating WIDA standards through intentional planning and delivery of language across content areas. The process of planning and delivering language routines within an instructional repertoire allows for students to access and learn the language needed Key Language Use for the purpose of elevating and activate language and learning.
Open Educational Resources for Middle and High School Dual and Heritage Language Classes
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Ema Shirk: OSPI
Ever feel like you need materials, but the only option is to make or translate them yourself? Come find out if what you need already exists—for free! Tips for finding OER in languages other than English, evaluate what you find, and share your own work will be included.
Sponsored Session: Science of Reading: What really works for multilingual learners?
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Amelia Larson: American Reading Company
As more states and districts are embracing the “science of reading,” some educators and advocates have raised the question: Will these methods work for English-language learners? Some experts say strategies that work for native English speakers can be effective for English learners, too. Others say not so fast. How can we work toward comprehensive and effective literacy instruction for multilingual/multicultural students. Join us to explore: What research applies to multilingual learners? What are the areas of overlap and where do multilingual learners need something different? What if students are in bilingual programs and learning to read in two languages?
Strategic Planning and Equity for Multilingual Learners
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Jennifer Johnson, Kelli Scardina & Heidi LaMare: Education Northwest & NWESD 189
Are your multilingual learners visible in your strategic plan, school improvement plan, or professional development plan? Find out how to integrate cohesive planning for multilingual learners into your systems level planning! Participants will delve into school improvement planning for multilingual learners and related professional development that is relevant to their context.
Centrando las voces, historias y experiencias comunitarias en el proceso del mejoramiento escolar
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Omar Escalera: Pasco School District
We will explore the concept of Solidarity Driven Co-design and how it facilitates the transformation of “traditional” parent engagement events in our schools into authentic, community driven Co-designing. We will discuss building leadership capacity of marginalized communities and families and including their voices in SIP plans.
Dual, Tribal, and Heritage Program Leaders: State and Federal Funds 101
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Ema Shirk & Kayla Guyett: OSPI
Join members of OSPI’s Office of Native Education and Multilingual Education team to learn how to leverage state and federal funds to recruit, train, and retain educators, engage with families, and support culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy instruction in Dual, Tribal, and Heritage language programs.
Early Learning Success with Dual Language
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Melissa Singletary, Stacey Beasley & Stephanie Flores: Selah School District
In this session we’ll take a close look at early learning within our district’s Dual Language program. We’ll share how we engage students and their families in developmentally appropriate and rigorous learning experiences in our 80:20 model that set the stage for language & content learning success.
Empower Your Students with Project GLAD® Strategies
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Tabitha Aragon, Jessica Anderson & Candice McGregor: Puyallup School District
Are you looking for a reliable set of teaching tools to make every lesson more engaging and comprehensible for your students? In this interactive workshop, participants will experience and take away a toolbox of award-winning, research-based and field-tested Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) strategies that have been proven effective in differentiating instruction for the needs of all multilingual learners and in all types of classrooms from PreK-12. Join us for an energizing session that will empower you and your students to succeed!
How Can I Annotate Language Samples to Improve Instruction?
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Dr. Jennifer Green: Western Washington University
Have you seen the annotated languages samples in the WIDA standards? Being able to identify key language features and functions can help support comprehension and guide writing lessons. In this session, you will learn how to annotate your content-based texts and texts written by students to inform instruction.
Teaching Hispanic Heritage Students with Advanced Spanish Learners
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Dr. Gabriela Starr & Dr. Thad Williams: Seattle Public Schools
Through the Global Studies Through Film class I have found great advantage in continuing to promote equity and non-discrimination within public schools. This year in the history of the Seattle Public School district a class with Hispanic heritage students has been offered with the most advanced students of Spanish from the International Baccalaureate. Building a learning environment has been challenging, but very encouraging for the future of education. Hispanic students have said in their own words that they can finally connect with students who speak English as their first language and that they can finally have a class in which they feel successful because Spanish is their first language.
Ukrainian and Russian Communities: Historical Traumas, and Teacher-led Opportunities for Healing
Saturday, April 29, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Alexey Kuznetsov & Albina Terpetska: Renton School District
During this session, you will get an insider perspective on the current relationship between the Russian, Ukrainian, and some other post-Soviet communities. You will explore ways in which multilingual education can facilitate healing, and how to avoid re-traumatizing students in the face of the ongoing war, while still allowing space for courageous, reflective conversations.