Supporting Dual Language Learners, Their Families, and Their Teachers: A Statewide Study of Learning Across Systems

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The First 5 California Dual Language Learner (DLL) Pilot Study aims to understand how early care and education (ECE) programs can support children who are learning to speak more than one language. Through surveys of teachers in diverse ECE settings, child assessments, and parent surveys, we investigated the landscape of practices to support DLLs as well as the relationship between instructional practices and child outcomes; between PD experiences and educator beliefs and practices related to DLLs; and between strategies to engage families and families’ support for children’s learning at home. Findings highlight teachers’ language use and ongoing outreach to families as important and underscore the need for ongoing professional learning opportunities for teachers.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• David Dodds

Papers

• Instructional Practices to Support Young Dual Language Learners - Lisa Jean White, American Institutes for Research; Deborah J. Holtzman, American Institutes for Research

• Professional Development for Teachers of Young Dual Language Learners - Rebecca Bergey, American Institutes for Research

• Engaging Dual Language Learner Families in Their Child's Early Education - Lisa B. Hsin, American Institutes for Research; Iliana Brodziak de los Reyes, American Institutes for Research

Discussant

• Linda M. Espinosa, University of Missouri