[ONLINE] Aligning Science of Reading Policies with the Needs of English Learners

The Science of Reading has become a hot topic in the field of education, and consequently school districts and states nationwide have sought to adopt new policies and practices to support evidenced-based reading instruction. From the beginning, experts have been discussing how the Science of Reading applies to students identified as English learners (ELs). Implementation of Science of Reading policies and practices must holistically integrate EL-identified students to ensure their unique learning needs are addressed.

On February 8, New America and SEAL will co-host a webinar that will unpack the relationship between the Science of Reading and ELs, including the misconceptions about this much debated topic and its impact on students identified as ELs and dual language programs. The first panel of experts will discuss the policy implications of the Science of Reading for ELs, and the second panel will feature state, district and instructional leaders at the forefront of Science of Reading implementation.

Panel 1: Research and Advocacy Considerations of Science of Reading Policies on ELs

Moderator

Martha Martinez, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation, SEAL 

Panelists

Ester De Jong, Professor, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, University of Colorado-Denver, and Co-Editor, Bilingual Research Journal

Martha Hernandez, Executive Director, Californians Together 

Kari Kurto, National Science of Reading Project Director, The Reading League

Susan Neuman, Professor, Childhood Education and Literacy Development, New York University

Panel 2: Translating Science of Reading Policies into Practice for ELs

Moderator

Anya Hurwitz, Executive Director, SEAL 

Panelists

Nicole Knight, Executive Director, English Language Learner and Multilingual Achievement, Oakland Unified School District, CA 

Hope Langston, Director of Instructional Services, Northfield Public Schools, MN

Maria Rodriguez, Multilingual Learner Education Associate, Delaware Department of Education 

Gladys Yacely Aponte, Postdoctoral Research Scholar, The Children’s Equity Project, Arizona State University