Leveraging Bilingualism to Support the Whole Child with Dr. Elena Schmitt
Does maintaining their heritage language help students develop literacy skills in English? The research says “yes.”
Dr. Elena Schmitt, professor of applied linguistics and educational researcher, joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for a detailed discussion about how supporting a student’s bilingualism supports the whole child. From maintaining access to key cultural and social interaction to supporting English literacy acquisition, helping students maintain their first language is worth the effort.
Gain an understanding of:
How to apply the research when it comes to supporting English language learning
Actionable ways educators can support bilingual students in their classrooms
Why the advice to “speak English at home” can be detrimental to students
How to create an inclusive environment centered around translanguaging
Tune in to Episode 5 for an inspirational, research-backed discussion about how heritage languages, bilingualism, and translanguaging affect student identity and success.
About Dr. Elena Schmitt
Dr. Elena Schmitt is a professor of applied linguistics and coordinator of the master’s in bilingual education and TESOL program at Southern Connecticut State University. Her research focuses on language contact, first language attrition, classroom interaction, teacher education, and technology-assisted teaching.
Join our community of listeners at All For Literacy today!
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The Practitioner-Researcher Connection with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan and Margaret Goldberg, part 2
As the crucially important ideas of the science of reading spread, a shift of focus to sustainable implementation will ensure evidence-backed instruction continues to change the literacy landscape. Implementation relies on the mutually beneficial relationship between educators and researchers to work effectively and sustainably.
Started in Part 1 of Season 4, Episode 3, of the All For Literacy podcast, Dr. Liz Brooke, Margaret Goldberg, and Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan continue their insightful conversation about research access for educators. Goldberg, a literacy coach and co-founder of The Right to Read Project, brings an educator’s viewpoint, while Cárdenas-Hagan pulls back the curtain on the world of research.
During this two-part episode, the guests explore:
Effective partnerships between schools and researchers
Best practices for research dissemination
Evidence-based practices for Emergent Bilinguals
Integrating repetition and feedback into day-to-day classroom activities
Tune in to this two-part episode for a thoughtful look into the ever-changing landscape of the science of reading, and subscribe to never miss an important literacy discussion!
For all mentioned resources and links visit AllForLiteracy.com
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The Practitioner-Researcher Connection with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan and Margaret Goldberg
As the crucially important ideas of the science of reading spread, a shift of focus to sustainable implementation will ensure evidence-backed instruction continues to change the literacy landscape. Implementation relies on the mutually beneficial relationship between educators and researchers to work effectively and sustainably.
In Season 4, Episode 3, of the All For Literacy podcast, host Dr Liz Brook shares part 1 of her sit down with Margaret Goldberg and Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan for an insightful conversation about research access for educators. Goldberg, a literacy coach and co-founder of The Right to Read Project, brings an educator’s viewpoint, while Cardenas-Hagan pulls back the curtain on the world of research.
Together, this episode’s guests explore:
Effective partnerships between schools and researchers
Best practices for research dissemination
Evidence-based practices for emergent bilinguals
Integrating repetition and feedback into day-to-day classroom activities
Walk away from this episode with a thoughtful look into the ever-changing landscape of the science of reading, and subscribe to never miss an important literacy discussion!
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Teaching the Teachers With Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller
In Season 4, Episode 2, Dr. Truckenmiller joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for an in-depth conversation about implementing research-backed literacy practices sustainably in real-world classroom settings.
Dr. Truckenmiller currently collaborates with school districts to improve decision-making based on writing and reading assessment within the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework, ensuring all students receive equitable access to evidence-based instruction, according to their strengths and needs. She shares her expertise in applying the science of reading with listeners, including actionable information about:
Appropriately using assessment to select appropriate and specific interventions
Reframing assessments to better serve all students
Using subskill analysis to better approach instructional targets
Cohesively connecting reading and writing instruction
For links to resources referenced in the episode, visit AllForLiteracy.com
About Adrea Truckenmiller
Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller serves as an associate professor at Michigan State University, where she conducts research in the special education and school psychology programs. She is also the co-developer of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) master’s degree program and currently collaborates with school districts to improve decision-making based on writing and reading assessment within the MTSS framework.
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The Science of Reading Policy Status With Casey Sullivan Taylor
The best intervention is prevention, explains Casey Sullivan Taylor, policy director for early literacy for ExcelinEd. This education resource aims to ensure the success of every student through student-centered, state-based policy solutions.
The former reading teacher, interventionist, and literacy coach joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for an in-depth exploration into how literacy policy trickles down into district changes, professional development programs, and classroom activities with one ultimate goal—driving student success.
Gain an open-door look into how leaders in states like Mississippi and North Carolina have used policy and implementation to turn around literacy rates and support student learning at all levels and understand the keys to success for creating change through state-directed guidance.
Episode Breakdown
(00:52) - How Sullivan Taylor became involved in education
(04:29) - The Mississippi Marathon: Driving literacy change in Mississippi
(07:38) - Applying Mississippi Lessons in North Carolina
(10:20) - How state size and population affect policy implementation
(13:40) - Empowering districts with top-down policy
(17:12) - Resources for assessing policy status
(18:56) - Resources for educators and parents to encourage literacy success
(24:45) - Assessing teacher application of knowledge
(27:20) - Trends in literacy policy and literacy in general
(30:15) - Origins of the spotlight on literacy in this country
(33:20) - The criticality of policy
(39:50) - What makes Sullivan Taylor hopeful for the future of literacy
Join our community of listeners & explore mentioned resources on All For Literacy today!
The All for Literacy podcast connects you with established and emerging voices in the national literacy conversation to map a path forward informed by the science of reading. Through monthly podcasts, hosted by Lexia’s Chief Learning Officer Dr Liz Brooke, this series forges connections between literacy research and educators’ knowledge and skills. This is a conversation that will have a real impact on teachers and students, with actionable information and research designed to support our goal of literacy for everyone.
All for Literacy brings together researchers, educators, and experts to elevate literacy in America and create real equity in the classroom.