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

 

Institute Details

By joining the four-day virtual Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners institute, 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’s framework, Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners, (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, video analysis, 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.

Between sessions, participants will complete approximately four hours of facilitator-assigned asynchronous tasks to extend their learning. The institute follows a flipped classroom model, fostering collaboration with peers and CAL facilitators while building a ready-to-use literacy-focused lesson plan tailored to multilingual learners.

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 K–12 educators, instructional coaches, specialists, and school leaders who support literacy development for multilingual learners. 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

April 8, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Introductions & Warm-Up
• Comprehensive Approach to Literacy for Multilingual Learners
• Oral Language Development
• Cross Language & Metalinguistic Connections
• Reflection & Planning

April 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Foundational Skills
  • Language-Based Skills
  • Code-Based Skills
• Active Engagement with Text
• Vocabulary
• Reflection & Planning

April 22, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Content for Day 3 is currently being finalized. This session will continue to build on previous topics, focusing on refining instructional strategies, assessment, and planning for classroom implementation. A full agenda will be posted soon.

April 29, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET

• Content for Day 4 is currently being finalized. This session will continue to build on previous topics, focusing on applying evidence-based literacy practices through lesson design and small-group collaboration. A full agenda will be posted soon.

Self-Paced Content

• Between April 8 and 29, 2026, participants will be expected to complete approximately 4 hours of facilitator-assigned tasks and prepare a sample CAL SIOP lesson plan to share with the cohort.

Schedule

• Four interactive live sessions held on April 8, 15, 22, and 29, 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 or group of 2+): $1,265 per person if registered by March 11, 2026
• Standard individual rate: $1,470 per person for registrations after March 11, 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 March 18, 2026

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 fully online, combining interactive live Zoom session.

Certificate of Completion

Participants will earn a Level 1 CAL Literacy 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.