Bridging Policy and Practice for Multilingual Learners Through English Language Development Standards Implementation Research

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium examines the implementation of English language development (ELD) standards, a critical yet understudied policy lever affecting millions of English/multilingual learners across the US. Despite significant investments in ELD standards, research on their implementation remains sparse. The papers in this symposium present empirical data from on-the-ground implementation of ELD standards across diverse state and policy contexts. In doing so, the symposium synthesizes current research, highlights key implementation issues, and proposes future directions to advance the field. By bridging policy and practice for English/multilingual learners, research can inform more effective approaches to supporting and monitoring ELD standards implementation, toward the ultimate goal of enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for a significant and growing student population.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Second Language Research

Chair

• Scott Grapin, University of Miami

Papers

• English Language Development Standards: Past, Present, and Future - Fernanda Marinho Kray, American Institutes for Research; Chris K. Chang-Bacon, University of Virginia; Scott Grapin, University of Miami

• Beyond PDFs: Digitalized Tools that Enhance Collaborative, Standards-Aligned Assessment of Multilingual Learners’ Language Growth - Lynn N. Shafer Willner, WIDA

• Supervisors as Policymakers: Sensemaking and Implementation of English Language Development Standards in One State - Scott Grapin, University of Miami; Eunae Kim, University of Miami

• A Research-Practice Partnership Approach to ELD Standards Implementation - Pamela A. Spycher, WestEd; Kim Austin, WestEd

Discussant

• Margo Gottlieb, Self-employed