In this episode of the Change-makers podcast miniseries from Learning Ally, literacy experts discuss strategies, opportunities, and challenges in improving literacy for multilingual learners. The discussion is led by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard, as they talk with featured guest Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, a bilingual expert and literacy advocate. The conversation delves into the importance of literacy for multilingual learners, the role of educators in creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment, and strategies to effectively teach reading to multilingual learners. They also address the need for effective screening, assessment, and early, targeted intervention in literacy education for multilingual learners. Additionally, the complexities of aligning the science of reading to the needs of multilingual learners are discussed, with a focus on the challenges and potential solutions for implementing evidence-based practices in classrooms.

Key Points:

00:04 Introduction to Literacy Transformation

00:57 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

02:25 Understanding the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners

04:53 The Importance of Oral Language Proficiency in Literacy

05:43 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning

06:33 The Impact of Vocabulary and Comprehension on Multilingual Learning

06:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices in Multilingual Learning

07:41 Specific Considerations for Improving Literacy Outcomes for Multilingual Learners

08:58 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning

11:00 The Importance of Fluency and Vocabulary in Multilingual Learning

16:02 The Challenges and Barriers to Implementing Multilingual Learning Practices

19:29 Effective and Appropriate Ways to Assess and Screen Multilingual Learners

26:43 The Importance of Data in Multilingual Learning

29:16 Finding Common Ground Between Advocates of Multilingual Students and the Science of Reading

33:14 Discussing Change Management and Social Contracts

33:45 The Role of Grassroots Activism in Social Change

34:35 Personal and Professional Lessons from Activism

35:36 The Importance of Community Involvement in Change

37:50 The Impact of Literacy on Job Opportunities

39:11 The Role of AI in the Knowledge Economy

40:13 The Power of Partnerships in Achieving Goals

40:32 The Importance of Individual Action in Change

41:22 The Role of Leadership in Community Change

41:53 The Importance of Involving Others in Change

42:36 The Role of Literacy in Community Development

44:51 The Challenges of Marginalized Communities

51:03 The Importance of Early Intervention in Literacy

51:59 The Impact of Legislation on Literacy Education

52:36 The Role of Technology in Addressing Literacy Gaps

59:16 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Literacy Education

01:04:02 Closing Remarks and Reflections on Literacy Leadership