Advice from Mariana Castro/Silvia Romero-Johnon on Identifying Language Resources & Creating Language Experiences
The Dual Language Leadership Institute is only weeks away, with spots quickly filling up. We spoke with Drs. Mariana Castro and Silvia Johnson about their inspiration for participating in the Institute and what we can expect during their presentation. Below, find their insights and more information about registering for the institute here.
Bilingual development is at the heart of the mission of Dual Language programs. For many of these programs, sustaining and providing language-rich learning environments is a great challenge given inequitable access to technology and to academic supports for students. Identifying excellent language resources and creating rich language experiences across languages for bi/multilingual students is and will continue to be one of the most pressing challenges for districts.
It’s important to balance synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. On one hand, synchronous learning opportunities can be used for the purpose of improving productive language development opportunities. However, it can pose challenges for students and families to have to log in at specific times. Therefore, the purposeful planning on asynchronous learning opportunities can be another way to provide equitable ways of supporting students.
We will address some of the challenges that districts face and discuss educational excellence, in both in-person and remote learning through two sessions during the institute: Sustaining Dual Language Programs and Communities: Creating Affirming Spaces Through Equitable Access and Excellence in Education and Advancing Bilingualism and Biliteracy Through Equity in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
