Cómo fomentar el desarrollo de la lengua y lectoescritura: Diferencias lingüísticas entre el español y el inglés y su impacto en la enseñanza de la lengua y lectoescritura bilingüe
This interactive institute, formerly known as the Spanish Language and Literacy institute, is designed to provide participants with research-based, effective methods for teaching academic language and literacy to students in grades K-8 in programs where students can learn in Spanish and English. Classroom practices are framed by an understanding of how Spanish and English linguistic features are the same and different.
The 15-hour institute will provide both live (synchronous) and on-own (asynchronous) online learning and take place over several days. It will include:
- Workshop/webinar sessions with CAL facilitators to understand and discuss effective practice as well as network with other educators with similar priorities
- A culminating project in which participants plan a lesson based on what they have learned
Institute Objectives
Participants will be able to
- explain why knowledge of the systems is important for teaching in bilingual settings
- identify systems and structures of Spanish as compared with English
- describe cross-linguistic practices
- use methods for teaching students the similarities and differences between languages to promote metalinguistic awareness
Curriculum Overview
The following provides an overview of the institute topics. Practical classroom-based instructional strategies are embedded throughout the presentation. All materials will be available electronically each day of the institute, including the daily presentation handout, activities, and resource links.
The Context for Spanish Language and Literacy Instruction
- Participant introductions
- The Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education (3rd edition)
- Current trends in the research on biliteracy instruction in the U.S. educational context
- Understanding the value for students of comparing and contrasting Spanish and English
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English
- Building metalinguistic awareness to promote cross-linguistic transfer
- Examining similarities and differences between the languages related to
- Pragmatics (discourse level language)
- Syntax (sentence structure)
- Semantics (words and word parts, cognates)
- Phonology and orthography (sound-letter correspondences)
- Assessing language production holistically
Schedule
Day 1: Monday, April 20, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
The Context for Language and Literacy Instruction in a Spanish/English Dual Language Program
Day 2: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part I
Day 3: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part II
Day 4: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part III
Break (No class on Friday, April 24)
Day 5: Monday, April 27, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part IV
Day 6: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Assessing Writing Holistically and Project Presentations
Self-Paced Content
The institute will include a 3-hour self-paced assignment.
Cost
- Early bird pricing (individual): $720 per person if registered by March 30, 2026
- Standard individual rate: $780 per person for registrations after March 30, 2026
- Groups of 2 or more qualify for the early bird rate of $720 per person
- Cost includes all digital training materials and one-year access to course content
- Register early—space is limited
- Registration closes on April 13, 2026
Venue
This institute will be held fully online, combining interactive live Zoom sessions.
Certificate of Completion
Participants will earn a CAL Credly Digital badge and certificate for 15 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, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
