The Wisdom of Practice: Responsiveness to Multilingual Learners in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

To make progress on complex educational problems, researchers and practitioners need to collaborate on solutions. Too often, the knowledge that informs policy flows from research toward practice rather than the other way around. Emergent multilingual students have historically been disproportionately impacted by pervasive educational inequities, such as systemic racism and linguistic inaccessibility. These inequities were magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as educational systems struggled to address disparities in access to out-of-school learning environments, technology, and access to affirming, engaging, and culturally and linguistically accessible curriculum. In this session, we learn from schools and districts who countered this trend by both navigating pandemic-related tensions and leveraging opportunities for systemic change during this challenging time.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Ilana S. Horn, Vanderbilt University

Presenters

• Renae Bryant, Anaheim Union High School District

• Claudia G. Cervantes-Soon, Arizona State University

• Alison G. Dover, California State University - Fullerton

• Rafael Olavide, Vista Unified School District

• Manka M. Varghese, University of Washington

• Alia Wong, USA Today