Learn how to enhance or develop your dual language program based on the seven research-based strands of effective dual language education in the CAL publication Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education (Howard et al., 2018). Sign up with your leadership team and work collaboratively to make your dual language program the best it can be!

Institute Details

Participants will gain research-based knowledge and practical tools to strengthen their leadership of dual language programs and promote student success in two languages. Guided by CAL’s decades of expertise in connecting research to practice, this interactive institute supports leaders in understanding the benefits of dual language education, designing effective program structures, and fostering equitable, culturally responsive learning environments.

This 12-hour institute is designed for district and school leaders—including principals, assistant principals, and teacher leaders—who want to deepen their understanding of the “nuts and bolts” of dual language programming. Special emphasis is placed on strategies that advance language and cultural equity while ensuring bilingualism, biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence.

The institute will provide both live (synchronous) and on-your-own (asynchronous) online learning and will take place over several days. It will include:

• Workshop sessions with CAL facilitators to explore effective leadership practices and connect with other educators committed to dual language success
• Guided opportunities to reflect on current school or district practices and plan for next steps in program development
• Collaborative discussions and networking with peers who share similar priorities and challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Identify the key components and benefits of effective dual language education programs.
• Apply strategies that promote language and cultural equity to support bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and sociocultural competence.
• Analyze their current school or district policies and practices to determine areas for growth in dual language programming.
• Develop an action plan to strengthen or expand dual language program implementation in their context.

Who Should Attend

This institute is designed for district and school leaders who guide or support dual language education, including principals, assistant principals, program directors, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders. It is ideal for both those who are establishing new programs and those seeking to strengthen or expand existing dual language initiatives.

Questions? Email CAL with any questions you may have about our offerings.

Curriculum Overview

This institute is designed to help educators develop or strengthen their dual language programs. Based on CAL’s highly acclaimed Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education 3rd Edition, the institute provides foundational information, cites the research, and provides the tools to help districts and schools support and develop the seven strands of successful DL program design and implementation:

Program Structure

• Curriculum
• Instruction
• Assessment and Accountability
• Staff Quality and Professional Development
• Family and Community
• Support and Resources

Participants will leave the institute with many long-term and short-term planning considerations.

Questions? Email CAL with any questions you may have about the institute.

Participants will leave the institute with a wealth of knowledge and ideas for long- and short-term planning.

Schedule of Interactive Sessions

Day 1: Monday, March 9, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
The Context and Strand 1: Research on Benefits of Bilingualism, Overview of the Guiding Principles, Program Structure Essentials

Day 2: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Stands 1, 2, and 3: Program Structure (Continued), Curriculum

Day 3: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Strand 3: Instruction

Day 4: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Strand 4: Assessment and Accountability

Break (No class on Friday, March 13 – Monday, March 16, 2026)

Day 5: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Strands 5, 6, and 7: Staff Quality and Professional Development, Family and Community, Support and Resources

Day 6: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Spotlight: Sociocultural Competence

Cost

• Early bird pricing (individual or group of 2+): $720 per person if registered by February 16, 2026
• Standard individual rate: $780 per person for registrations after February 16, 2026
• Groups of 2 or more qualify for the early bird rate of $720 per person
• Cost includes all digital training materials and a mailed hard copy of the Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education 3rd Edition book, provided we have your mailing address
• Register early—space is limited
• Registration closes on March 2, 2026

Venue

This institute will be held online. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation with a link in advance.

Certificate of Completion

Participants will earn a CAL Credly Digital badge and certificate for 12 hours of participation issued through the Credly platform, recognizing full participation and engagement in the institute. This badge serves as a verifiable digital credential that can be shared across professional networks and includes metadata outlining the scope of learning.

CAL-Credly badges offer a secure and portable way to showcase your professional development.

For questions about digital badging at CAL, contact us at credentialing@cal.org or call 202-362-0700, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

Policies

Registration

Please complete the online registration process to reserve your seat for this institute. Please be aware that your seat at the workshop will only be confirmed once payment is received. If you are registering multiple participants, please have the names, titles, schools, and email addresses available before you begin the registration process. We encourage you to register as soon as possible, as many workshops fill up quickly.

Payment

CAL accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx), checks, and purchase orders. Credit card payments confirm registration immediately. For POs or checks, seats are tentatively held until payment is received. Upload POs during registration or email them to payables@cal.org. A $15 fee applies for returned checks.

Mail checks to:

Center for Applied Linguistics,
Accounts Receivable,
4646 40th Street NW
Washington, DC 20016

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks before the institute by emailing solutions@cal.org. After that, refunds are not available, but you may request materials by mail, transfer to a future institute, or substitute another participant up to 3 days before the start date.

CAL may cancel or reschedule events due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, full refunds will be issued.

Fair Use of Materials

Participants may use CAL materials for internal school or district training. Use for fee-based services is not permitted. Contact CAL for clarification if needed.

Questions?

Please direct questions to solutions@cal.org or call 202-362-0700, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.