Multi-Tiered System of Supports for English Learners
This resource from a model demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) provides guidance for implementing MTSS frameworks that address the academic and linguistic needs of multilingual learners. It helps educators distinguish between language acquisition and potential learning difficulties while ensuring equitable access to instruction and intervention.
Resources
Multitiered Systems of Supports for English Learners
Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures
This landmark report from the National Academies synthesizes research on how children and youth learn English and identifies practices, policies, and systems that best support multilingual learners. The report emphasizes the value of bilingualism, high-quality instruction, and asset-based approaches to teaching and learning.
Resources
Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures 2017
Multilingual Learning Toolkit
The Multilingual Learning Toolkit provides evidence-based resources and practical guidance for supporting multilingual learners across educational settings. Educators will find tools for fostering language development, family engagement, culturally responsive practices, and inclusive instruction.
Resources
Multilingual Learning Toolkit
Podcast: “Strong Pre-K Programs for English Learners”
In this interview, Dr. Rebecca Palacios shares her expertise on high-quality Pre-K for English Learners.
Resources
Dr. Rebecca Palacios: Podcast | Colorín Colorado
Storytelling for Pre-K English Learners
At a young age, children need to begin retelling stories. Once a story is read to them, they should be encouraged to retell the events.
Resources
Retelling Stories | Colorín Colorado
Picture Retell | Colorín Colorado
English Learner Starter Kit for Educators
This starter kit, created in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, provides helpful forms for PK–12 educators who work with ELLs to determine whether they’re on track to learn the important academic English skills they need to succeed.
Resources
ELL Starter Kit for Educators | Colorín Colorado
Early Literacy Instruction | Colorín Colorado
Providing a solid foundation for literacy is critical for young children who are already bilingual or are learning a second language. These resources provide guidance on building that foundation and using a child’s native language as part of their literacy development.
Resources
Early Literacy Instruction | Colorín Colorado
Dual Language Learner Profiles
This article examines how schools can better support multilingual learners by leveraging children’s existing linguistic strengths and cultural assets. The authors highlight research-based practices that promote language, literacy, and academic development while challenging deficit-based perspectives about multilingualism.
Resources
Subgroups Within a Heterogeneous Population: Considering Contextual Factors That Influence the Formation of Dual Language Learner Profiles in Head Start
Challenging Common Myths About Young English Learners
This publication addresses common misconceptions about multilingual learners and presents research demonstrating the benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. It provides educators and families with evidence-based information to support informed instructional and educational decisions.
Resources
PreK-3rd: Challenging Common Myths About Dual Language Learners
10 Tips for Teaching Young Dual Language Learners Effectively
This article offers practical, research-informed strategies for supporting young dual language learners in early childhood settings. Recommendations focus on creating language-rich environments, building on children’s home languages, and fostering meaningful interactions that support language and literacy growth.
Resources
10 Tips for Teaching Young Dual Language Learners Effectively
5 Practical Strategies for Supporting Dual Language Learners
This resource provides actionable classroom practices that help dual language learners develop oral language, literacy, and academic knowledge. The strategies emphasize intentional language support, family partnerships, and opportunities for meaningful communication throughout the school day.
Resources
5-Practical-Strategies-for-Supporting-DLLs_2020.pdf
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