Connect research-based literacy practices with the realities of today’s classrooms to build strong, equitable foundations for learning. 

By joining the four-day virtual CAL Literacy institute, you can deepen your understanding of how to design and deliver literacy instruction that reflects current research on effective practices for multilingual learners. Grounded in the National Committee for Effective Literacy (NCEL) Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners framework (Olsen, 2022), this interactive professional learning experience highlights approaches that integrate language development, literacy skills, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. 

Designed for educators across grade levels and content areas, the institute provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based literacy practices, with opportunities to apply them through demonstrations, small-group collaboration, and lesson design. Participants will reflect on how to adapt these strategies for their specific contexts to ensure instruction that is both rigorous and equitable. 

Learning Outcomes 

Participants will be able to: 

• Explain key principles of evidence-based literacy instruction for multilingual learners. 

• Apply strategies to build oral language, vocabulary, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and writing. 

• Integrate culturally and linguistically sustaining practices into literacy lessons. 

• Design lessons that address content, language, and literacy goals. 

• Adapt literacy instruction to meet diverse multilingual learner needs. 

• Create a ready-to-use literacy-focused lesson plan. 

 

Who Should Attend 

This institute is designed for PK–12 educators, instructional coaches, specialists, and school leaders who support literacy development for multilingual learners and other diverse student populations. It is ideal for those seeking to strengthen their understanding of evidence-based practices and apply them in diverse classroom and program contexts. 

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

Agenda 

February 2, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET 

• Introductions & Warm-Up 

• Comprehensive Approach to Literacy for Multilingual Learners 

• Oral Language Development 

• Cross Language & Metalinguistic Connections 

• Reflection & Planning 

February 4, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET 

• Foundational Skills 

• Language-Based Skills 

• Code-Based Skills 

• Active Engagement with Text 

• Vocabulary 

• Reflection & Planning 

February 9, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET 

• Reading Comprehension & Meaning Making 

• Reading Fluency Routines 

• Input, Output and Interaction Hypotheses 

• Visible Thinking Routines with Complex Texts 

• Writing Development 

• Relationship between Reading and Writing 

• Writing Instruction Feedback Priorities 

• Components of the Writing Process 

February 11, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET 

• Literacy & Digital Literacy 

• Digital Styles & Preferences 

• Digital Learning Resources 

• Considerations for Generative AI 

• Scaffolding vs. Differentiation 

• Creating and Fading Scaffolds 

• Linguistic, Content, and Formal Schemata 

• Guidelines for SLIFE and MLs struggling in literacy or with disabilities 

• Standards-Based Lesson Designs 

• Side-by-Side Lesson Design 

• Backward Lesson Design 

• Forward Lesson Design 

• Central Lesson Design 

Schedule 

• Four interactive live virtual sessions held on February 2, 4, 9, and 11, 2027, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–2:30 PM ET each day 

• Approximately 4 hours to explore a curated collection of digital activities and classroom-ready resources 

Cost 

• Early bird pricing (individual or group of 2+): $1,330 per person if registered by January 12, 2027 

• Standard individual rate: $1,545 per person for registrations after January 12, 2027 

• Groups of 2 or more qualify for the early bird rate of $1,330 per person 

• Cost includes all digital training materials and one-year access to course content 

• Register early—space is limited 

• Registration closes on January 26, 2027 

Cost includes the following materials*: 

• A downloadable workshop packet with practical tools and strategies to support effective literacy instruction for multilingual learners 

• Access to a curated collection of digital activities and classroom-ready resources 

Venue 

This institute will be held online via interactive live Zoom sessions. 

Certificate of Completion 

Participants will earn a CAL Literacy Educator digital badge issued through the Credly platform. This verifiable digital credential can be shared across professional networks and includes metadata outlining your learning experience and accomplishments. 

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  

Seats are confirmed only after payment is received. To register, complete the online form and have participant names, titles, schools, and emails ready (for group registrations). Early registration is recommended, as space is limited. 

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?  

If you have questions, please contact us via email at solutions@cal.org or call 202-362-0700, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Eastern Time.