Center for Applied Linguistics

Conference Presentation: It Takes A Village: Bringing Multicultural Funds of Knowledge into the Science Classroom
2026-04-17 11:40 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
“It Takes A Village: Bringing Multicultural Funds of Knowledge into the Science Classroom“
Event: NSTA 2026 Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2026 | 10:40 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Location: Platinum Ballroom 3
Presenters:
Brittany York (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
This session will present theoretical viewpoints and research, including the federally-funded M2-Si grant, that illuminate the value within funds of knowledge and how those perspectives lead to higher quality science. Researchers will share how their rigorous revision process infused students’ assets and families’ funds of knowledge into formative assessment activities. They will grant access to formative assessments and other materials for the science classroom that bolster students’ assets and involve their families along with preliminary findings. They will walk attendees through strategies that engage students’ voices and experiences, assessment materials and activities that can be shared with families, and resources to support bringing funds of knowledge into the science classroom.

Conference Presentation: STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom
2026-04-17 13:20 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
“STEM, AI, and the Multilingual Mind: Navigating Digital Culture Shock in the Classroom“
Event: NSTA 2026 Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2026 | 1:20 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Location: 153 North Building
Presenters:
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
As digital tools and AI rapidly transform STEM education, multilingual learners face unique challenges that go beyond language barriers – Digital Culture Shock. In this session, participants will explore how the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and language learning impacts STEM classrooms. We will examine the stages of digital culture shock and highlight practical approaches for turning digital shifts into opportunities for engagement and innovation. Attendees will gain strategies to integrate AI and digital tools intentionally to scaffold academic language, build STEM literacy, and empower multilingual learners to thrive in today’s STEM classroom. One-Main Takeaway: Multilingual learners face digital culture shock in STEM with new technologies, AI tools, and language demands. Participants will explore strategies to support STEM access, language development and empowerment to thrive in digital classrooms.

Conference Presentation: Languaging, Tansculturalism, and Identity in Dual Language Education
2026-06-05 11:00 - 11:50 (America/New_York)
“Languaging and Transculturalism in Dual Language Education
Event: Chicago Public Schools Dual Language Conference
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:
Analleli Hernández (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
How do we leverage students’ full linguistic repertoires to deepen content learning and strengthen their biliteracy trajectory? This session examines classroom scenarios where intentional languaging practices support language development, metalinguistic awareness and transculturalism. Designed for dual language teachers, coaches, and administrators, this session directly addresses the three pillars of dual language education in CAL’s Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education.

CAL Literacy: A Comprehensive Approach to Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-23
📚 Strengthen literacy instruction for multilingual learners this summer with CAL’s newest virtual institute!
📅 July 20–23, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET
💻 Virtual Institute
This four-day professional learning experience is designed for educators, instructional coaches, literacy leaders, administrators, and multilingual learner specialists seeking a more integrated, research-based approach to literacy instruction.
Participants will explore:
✨ Comprehensive literacy instruction for multilingual learners
✨ Oral language development and literacy connections
✨ Cross-linguistic transfer & metalinguistic awareness
✨ Culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices
✨ Systems-level and classroom planning grounded in students’ linguistic assets
✨ Practical strategies ready for immediate implementation
Ideal for educators in:
✔ General education
✔ ESL/EL programs
✔ Bilingual and dual language settings
✔ Literacy coaching and instructional leadership
✔ District curriculum, assessment, and multilingual learner support
🎓 Participants receive a digital badge recognizing 22 hours of professional learning and engagement.
🔗 Learn more and register: https://solutions.cal.org/event/cal-literacy-comprehensive-approach-to-literacy-instruction
Seats are limited. Join educators from across the country in advancing equitable, high-quality literacy instruction for multilingual learners.

Conference Presentation: Scoring Superstars! Scoring WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten Speaking/Writing Responses
2026-09-17 11:30 (America/New_York)
Scoring Superstars! Scoring WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten Speaking/Writing Responses
Event: 2026 WIDA Conference
Date: Friday, September 17, 2026 | 11:30 AM ET
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:

Gina DiBella (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Christy Shepherd (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Beth Devito (WIDA)
Marcy Olson (WIDA)

Description:
Do you want to learn more about scoring WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten Speaking and Writing tasks? In this session, we’ll delve into the WIDA Scoring Rubrics for Speaking and Writing and the new EXPECT boxes. We’ll use these resources to identify key scoring elements in presenter-led examples. We’ll also practice scoring student responses individually and in small groups. You’ll leave with a deeper knowledge of scoring expectations for both Speaking and Writing responses on Kindergarten ACCESS.

Conference Presentation: The New WIDA ACCESS Writing Scoring Rubric for Grades 1-12
2026-09-16 14:15 (America/New_York)
“The New WIDA ACCESS Writing Scoring Rubric for Grades 1-12″
Event: 2026 WIDA Conference
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2026 | 1:15 PM CT
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:
Megan Welch (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Mark Chapman (WIDA)
Heather Elliot (WIDA)
Description:
Do your students take the WIDA ACCESS Writing test? Are you interested in learning about how student writing is evaluated on the ACCESS test? In this workshop, you will learn about the writing scoring rubric that is used to score students’ writing responses on ACCESS. The presenters will explain why and how this rubric was developed and you will have several opportunities to use the rubric to score authentic student writing samples.

Conference Presentation: Leading and Learning for Rural Multilingual Learners: An Inquiry Session
2026-09-17 11:15 UTC
Event: 2026 WIDA Conference
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 10:15 AM CT
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:

Dr. Diep Nguyen (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Dr. Kia Johnson (Center for Applied Linguistics)

Description:
Building on the “Bless Your Heart” Leadership framework and the CLEAR Paradigm, this interactive session invites participants to collaboratively explore the professional learning needs of rural leaders and educators serving multilingual learners. Participants will engage with emerging research themes on leadership, context, and capacity, then help identify what resonates, what is missing, and what should be prioritized in effective, equity-driven professional learning for rural communities.
