Webinar spotlights federal resources to support newcomer and immigrant youth

The U.S. Department of Education hosted a webinar Sept. 6 to provide local educational agencies with examples of best practices, partnerships, tools, lessons learned and more in supporting newcomer students at the local level. That same day, the department issued a Dear Colleague Letter on […]

AB 370 could offer more pathways to State Seal of Biliteracy, simplify requirements for English learners

A piece of legislation that would offer more opportunities for California students to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy while leveling the playing field for English learners to attain the educational accomplishment is awaiting the Governor’s signature after passing in the Assembly and Senate earlier […]

Expert tips on how to better engage non-English-speaking families 

Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, local educational agencies observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. In California, about 56 percent of students […]

Promising policies in advancing language proficiency among newcomer students

Most newcomer students enter school with very low or beginning English language proficiency (ELP), but their language skills can develop rapidly under the right conditions, according to the first in a new series of briefs by Policy Analysis for California Education. While California does not […]

Teachers share what they need to support English learner students

A recent EdSource webinar, “Supporting English learners: What do teachers need?” allowed educators to share their experiences with professional development as well as the support they could use to best serve students. California has the largest population of English learners in the U.S. with two […]

Report examines how well schools served English learners during spring closures

Californians Together released a report in September examining the quality of instruction provided to English learners in the state’s schools during the spring when schools were suddenly shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization reviewed 79 school districts’ COVID-19 Operation Written Reports to help […]