Center for Applied Linguistics

NABE 2026 Conference Presentation: Can’t Co-teach? Then Co-plan! Supporting Content Teachers with Multilingual Students
2026-02-12 01:20 - 14:10 UTC
Event: NABE Conference 2026
Location: Room E270
Date & Time: February 12, 2026 | 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Marybelle Marrero-Colón (Applied Linguistics)
Kia Johnson (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
Co-planning is a process that supports consistent implementation of standards-based instruction that supports language development, literacy, and content curricula while allowing Tier 1 teachers, ML and instructional specialists to coordinate instruction and assessment (Honigsfeld & Dove, 2022). Co-planning not only supports those educators who co-teach, but those who share students, but are unable to set up a co-teaching model due to scheduling and personnel shortages, or in order to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of others (Ford, 2025). This presentation will look at the importance of co-planning for second language learners when co-teaching is not an option.

NABE 2026 Conference Presentation: Seeing the Signs: Attuned Practices for Multilingual Newcomers Facing Transition Shock
2026-02-12 08:30 - 21:50 UTC
Event: NABE Conference 2026
Location: Room E255
Date & Time: February 12, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
Are your multilingual newcomers showing signs of withdrawal, defiance, or disengagement? These may be signs of transition shock – a response to the emotional and neurological stress of adjusting to a new environment. In this interactive session, you will explore practical, trauma-responsive strategies to create safe, healing-centered classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. Using scenario cards, you’ll practice identifying fight, flight, and freeze behaviors and apply a simple attunement formula to respond with care and intention. Walk away with tools you can use immediately to build trust, foster resilience, and help multilingual newcomers thrive –emotionally and academically.

NABE 2026 Conference Presentation: Increasing English Learner Achievement Through Teacher Capacity Building: One School’s Journey
2026-02-12 14:20 - 15:10 UTC
Event: NABE Conference 2026
Location: Room E255
Date & Time: February 12, 2026 | 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Marybelle Marrero-Colon (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Carmen Delacruz (Arlington Public Schools)
Enis Delacruz (Arlington Public Schools)
Description:
This presentation showcases one school’s journey towards capacity building and strengthening its commitment to multilingual learners’ linguistic and academic achievement. By focusing on the implementation of the SIOP Model, a recognized and effective, research-based instructional model which benefits linguistic and academic achievement for multilingual learners, this school built a three-year professional development plan to improve teacher capacity. When supported through a long-term, job-embedded approach featuring guided lesson design and lesson study, results are noted in improved teacher evaluations and boosts in student achievement and language proficiency levels. The school’s PD plan and tools are shared and discussed.

Exploring Humanizing Pedagogies for Multilingual Learners and their Teachers
2026-03-04 15:30 UTC
TITLE: Exploring Humanizing Pedagogies for Multilingual Learners and their Teachers
DATE: March 4, 2026
TIME: 3:30–4:30 p.m. EDT

REGISTER

DETAILS:
This webinar explores how and why humanizing pedagogies for multilingual learners and their teachers matter. The speakers provide an overview of their recently published book “Humanizing Pedagogies with Multilingual Learners: Transforming Teaching in the Content Areas,” written for PK-12 practitioners. This book is a love letter to teachers, students, families, and communities, and argues that all students should be able to be and become the best, most desired versions of themselves in our classrooms. Therefore, the book promotes relational, organic, real, and meaningful teaching and learning. The presentation will provide an overview of their research-grounded framework and offer tips on how their book can be used to support professional development in schools, districts, and university classrooms. Their aim is to support teachers in engaging and affirming students, their families, and building strong relationships among their professional colleagues.

REGISTER

———————————————————————————————————————–
Important Notice on CAL Webinar Content
All webinars, recordings, and related materials produced by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) are protected by copyright. They are made available exclusively through CAL’s official platforms for educational and informational purposes.
CAL does not authorize the reposting, redistribution, or resale of our webinars on any third-party websites. Any such uploads are unauthorized and may not accurately represent the original content.
To ensure you are accessing the most accurate, complete, and up-to-date info, please view webinars only through CAL’s official website and communication channels.

Upholding the Educational Civil Rights of Multilingual Learners and Families
2026-03-10 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
TITLE: Upholding the Educational Civil Rights of Multilingual Learners and Families
DATE: March 10, 2026
TIME: 4:00–4:30 p.m. EDT

REGISTER

DETAILS:
States, districts, and schools have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that all students, regardless of the language(s) they speak at home, have access to meaningful, equitable learning opportunities. Grounded in federal policy and civil rights law, these obligations extend to instructional access, language development supports, family engagement, and nondiscriminatory practices that enable multilingual learners to thrive academically and socially.
In this webinar, policy experts and practitioners will unpack the educational civil rights that protect multilingual learners and their families, clarifying what these rights mean in practice and how they are grounded in existing law and guidance. Participants will also hear directly from a state-level leader about how these civil rights frameworks are being implemented on the ground, highlighting policy levers, practical strategies, and lessons learned that can inform efforts in other contexts.
Join us to deepen your understanding of the civil rights of multilingual learners and the policies, practices, and partnerships essential to upholding them across educational systems.

REGISTER

———————————————————————————————————————–
Important Notice on CAL Webinar Content
All webinars, recordings, and related materials produced by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) are protected by copyright. They are made available exclusively through CAL’s official platforms for educational and informational purposes.
CAL does not authorize the reposting, redistribution, or resale of our webinars on any third-party websites. Any such uploads are unauthorized and may not accurately represent the original content.
To ensure you are accessing the most accurate, complete, and up-to-date info, please view webinars only through CAL’s official website and communication channels.

CAL Presentation: MTSS and Multilingual Learners: Developing a Supportive Team Approach
2026-03-24 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Convention 2026
Date & Time: March 24, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenter(s):
Marybelle Marrero-Colón (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
When linguistically diverse students struggle academically, schools’/districts’ are responsible for assessing whether the cause is language differences or disability. Successful development and implementation of a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) team approach is key to ensuring that multilingual learners receive appropriate intervention to maximize their academic achievement and language acquisition.

CAL Presentation: Affecting Policy through Coalition: the National English Learner Roundtable
2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Conference 2026
Date & Time: March 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Session Format: Roundtable
Presenter(s):
Diep Nguyen (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Merica Clinkenbeard (NAELPA)
Jeff Hutcheson (TESOL International Association)
Margarita Machado-Casas (NABE)
Jenni Mondi De Torres (WIDA)
Description:
The National English Learner Roundtable represents over 20 organizations whose members are serving multilingual learners of English and their educators, schools, and communities in the United States. Panelists from partner associations will provide an overview of activities and efforts to affect positive policy for English learners in U.S. public education.

CAL Presentation: Intersectional Identities Within and Beyond TESOL: Continuing the Conversation
2026-03-26 08:00 - 2026-04-03 09:15 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Conference 2026
Location: Ballroom J at the Salt Palace Convention Center
Date & Time: March 26, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Session Format: Intersection Session
Presenter(s):
Dr. Ching-Ching Lin (Adelphi University)
Dr. Kia Johnson (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Ricardo Valle (Euroidiomas)
Moderator:
Drew Fagan (University of Maryland)
Description:
Description: This panel aims to extend and expand collective efforts by showcasing intersectional identities in TESOL and amplifying identities across generations and geographical spaces in teaching, research, mentoring, and leading. Panelists explore disability, queerness, leadership, race, multilingualism, and other identities crucial for cultivating and sustaining intersectional identities within and beyond TESOL.

CAL Presentation: Increasing EL Achievement Through Teacher Capacity Building
2026-03-26 13:00 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Conference 2026
Location: 150 DEF at the Salt Palace Convention Center
Date & Time: March 26, 2026 |1:00 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Marybelle Marrero-Colón (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Carmen De La Cruz Scales (Carlin Springs Elementary School)
This presentation showcases one school’s journey toward capacity building. By focusing on an effective, research-based model, this school built a 3-year plan to improve teacher capacity. Supported by a job-embedded approach featuring guided lesson design and lesson study, results are noted in improved teacher evaluations, student achievement, and language proficiency.

CAL Presentation: Making Literacy Instruction Meaningful for Multilingual Learners Through Interactive Activities
2026-03-26 14:30 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Convention 2026
Location: Ballroom F at the Salt Palace Convention Center
Date & Time: March 26, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Marybelle Marrero-Colón (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Kia Johnson (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
This session explores how literacy instruction can be meaningful and fun through activities such as multilingual story boxes, multicultural literacy autobiographies, dice conversations, and writing from visuals. Participants engage in various activities and analyze how they can support foundational skill development, reading comprehension, and language acquisition.

CAL Presentation: Leading and Learning for Rural Multilingual Learners: An Inquiry Session
2026-03-27 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Denver)
Event: TESOL Convention 2026
Location: Ballroom F at the Salt Palace Convention Center
Date & Time: March 27, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenter(s):
Diep Nguyen(Center for Applied Linguistics)
Kia Johnson (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
This session explores how literacy instruction can be meaningful and fun through activities such as multilingual story boxes, multicultural literacy autobiographies, dice conversations, and writing from visuals. Participants engage in various activities and analyze how they can support foundational skill development, reading comprehension, and language acquisition.

Conference Presentation: Hyperparameter Optimization for Neural Network-Based IRT in Constrained Settings
2026-04-09 09:45 - 10:45 UTC
“Hyperparameter Optimization for Neural Network-Based IRT in Constrained Settings“
Event: NCME Annual Meeting
Date: Thursday, April 9, 9:45 AM ET – 10:45 AM ET
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:
Seong Eun Hong
Description:
This study investigates hyperparameter optimization in neural network-based IRT estimation. Using simulation with varying item pool sizes, iterations, and tuning strategies, results show fine-tuning improves performance under constrained settings, offering practical guidelines for implementing neural networks in educational assessment with limited item banks and test administrations

Conference Presentation: Implementing Multilingual Multimodal Classroom Assessment Activities: Evidence from Elementary School Science"
2026-04-09 09:45 - 11:15 (America/New_York)
“Implementing Multilingual Multimodal Classroom Assessment Activities: Evidence from Elementary School Science”
Event: NCME Annual Meeting
Date: Thursday, April 9, 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Presenters:
Keira Ballantyne
Amy Burden
Brittany York
Description:
Multilingual students in K-12 settings are learning and being assessed in content areas while still in the process of learning the language of the assessment. Our research project explores how classroom educators might use multilingual multimodal formative assessment activities to gain a clearer picture of multilingual elementary students’ scientific sense-making.

Conference Presentation: A Holistic Model for Developing an Early Childhood English Language Proficiency Assessment
2026-04-11 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
“A Holistic Model for Developing an Early Childhood English Language Proficiency Assessment”
Event: NCME Annual Meeting
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Session Format: Presentation
Location: Silver Lake A
Presenters:
Yu Lan Su (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Aubrey Sahouria (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Jasmine Tsai, Yamei Wang (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
This two-year study outlines the development of a psychometrically sound English language proficiency assessment for early childhood learners, leveraging storybook-based tasks to enhance engagement. The assessment underwent a rigorous multi-phase process to achieve strong psychometric characteristics. This presentation details the methodological framework and analyses that underpin the final assessment forms.

Conference Presentation: From Support to Independence Fading Scaffolds in the Science Classroom
2026-04-17 09:20 (America/Denver)
“From Support to Independence Fading Scaffolds in the Science Classroom“
Event: NSTA 2026 Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2026 | 9:20 AM
Session Format: Presentation
Location: Platinum Ballroom 2
Presenters:
Maria Cieslak (Center for Applied Linguistics)
Description:
Multilingual learners often need extra support to fully engage with science content, but the goal is independence. In this session, elementary teachers will explore strategies for creating scaffolds that provide just the right amount of support, then systematically fade them as students gain knowledge, language skills, and confidence. Through examples, hands-on activities, and discussion, participants will learn how to scaffold science investigations, discussions, and writing so students can move from guided participation to independent problem-solving. Teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready approaches to support multilingual learners’ language and content growth while fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of science. One Main Takeaway: Develop strategies to fade scaffolds effectively for multilingual learners in science, supporting a transition from guided participation to independent thinking while fostering curiosity and mastery.

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.
