Learn to distinguish between typical second language development and potential disabilities, and create proactive classroom interventions that support ML student success.

Institute Details

This four-day interactive institute equips educators with the knowledge and tools to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that effectively addresses the needs of multilingual learners. Participants will explore how to distinguish between typical second language development, learning difficulties, and possible disabilities while ensuring that students are supported without being disproportionately referred for special education.

Grounded in an interactive flipped-classroom model, the institute blends synchronous learning (four live, 4.5-hour online sessions) with asynchronous self-paced activities (six hours of recorded lectures, readings, and collaborative tasks). Through case studies, strategy analysis, and hands-on planning, participants will examine culturally and linguistically responsive interventions across Tiers 1, 2, and 3, and develop proactive MTSS plans that promote both academic and linguistic success for MLs.

Participants will collaborate with CAL facilitators and peers nationwide to apply research-based practices, share challenges, and build sustainable solutions for supporting multilingual learners in their schools and districts.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between second language acquisition, learning difficulties, cultural factors, and possible disabilities.
• Design an MTSS plan that integrates proactive interventions to support multilingual learners’ academic and language development.
• Apply evidence-based instructional practices for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 that respond to the needs of diverse ML populations, including students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE).
• Collect, monitor, and analyze student progress data to inform instructional decisions and equitable support.
• Collaborate effectively with MTSS team members, colleagues, and service providers to implement and sustain school- or district-wide systems of support.

Who Should Attend

This institute is designed for K–12 educators and school-based teams who support the success of multilingual learners within an MTSS framework. Ideal participants include general education and content-area teachers, ESL/ELL teachers, Title I educators, MTSS team members and coordinators, special education teachers, related service providers, instructional coaches, interventionists, and school or district administrators. Teams are encouraged to attend together to strengthen collaborative planning and ensure effective, schoolwide MTSS implementation for multilingual learners.

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

Agenda*

 February 16, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Introduction to MTSS
• Second Language Acquisition
• Distinguishing Second Language Acquisition from Learning Disabilities

March 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Overview of MTSS
• Comparing RTI and MTSS
• Defining Tiers 1, 2, and 3
• Goals, Language Planning, Universal Screening, Monitoring & Assessment
• Conducting Needs Assessments

March 9, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Supporting Tier 1 Teachers and Addressing the Needs of Tier 2 & 3 MLs
• Scaffolding vs. Differentiation
• Adapting Curriculum to Strengthen Tier 1 Instruction

March 16, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Next Steps When Interventions Fail
• EL Toolkit: Special Education Evaluation Process
• Developing Linguistically Appropriate IEP Goals
• Role and Rights of Parents/Guardians

*Please note: This agenda reflects the current scope of the institute and is subject to change as content is further developed.

Self-Paced Content

• Between February 16 and March 16, 2026, participants will be expected to complete approximately 4 hours of facilitator-assigned tasks and prepare an MTSS plan to share with the cohort.

Schedule

• Four interactive live sessions held on February 16, March 2, 9, and 16, 2026, from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30–3:00 PM ET each day
• Approximately 4 hours of facilitator-assigned, self-paced learning to be completed between sessions

Cost

• Early bird pricing (individual): $1,265 per person if registered by January 26, 2026
• Standard individual rate: $1,470 per person for registrations after January 26, 2026
• Groups of 2 or more qualify for the early bird rate of $1,265 per person
• Cost includes all digital training materials and one-year access to course content
• Register early—space is limited
• Registration closes on February 9, 2026

Cost includes the following materials*:

• A downloadable institute packet with practical tools and strategies to support effective MTSS implementation for multilingual learners
• Access to a curated collection of digital activities and classroom-ready resources

Venue

This institute will be held fully online, combining interactive live Zoom sessions.

Certificate of Completion

Participants will earn a Level 1 CAL MTSS for MLs Educator digital badge for 22 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

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.