Enhance your knowledge of linguistic differences between Spanish and English and their impact on language and literacy instruction for emergent multilingual learners!
Participants will learn research-based strategies for effective language and literacy instruction in programs where content is delivered in Spanish and English, such as dual language and transitional bilingual education programs.
This interactive institute, formerly known as Language and Literacy Instruction for Emergent Bilingual Learners, is designed to provide participants with research-based, effective methods for teaching academic language and literacy to students in grades K-8 in programs in which students are afforded the opportunity to learn in both 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 asynchronous (on-your-own) 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.
Learning Outcomes
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
Who Should Attend
This institute is designed for K–8 educators who teach in Spanish-English dual language, transitional bilingual, or other bilingual program settings. Classroom teachers, interventionists, and specialists who support biliteracy development will benefit from the research-based strategies and practical tools provided. Instructional coaches, school-based teams, and administrators who oversee or support multilingual learner programs are also encouraged to attend.
Questions? Email CAL with any questions you may have about our offerings.
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
Please note: Sessions take place each day from 3:00–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Day 1: Monday, October 6
The Context for Language and Literacy Instruction in a Spanish/English Dual Language Program
Day 2: Tuesday, October 7
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part I
Day 3: Wednesday, October 8
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part II
Day 4: Thursday, October 9
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part III
Break (No class on Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13)
Day 5: Tuesday, October 14
Developing Awareness of Similarities and Differences between Spanish and English – Part IV
Day 6: Wednesday, October 15
Assessing Writing Holistically and Project Presentations
Self-Paced Content
The institute will include a 3-hour self-paced assignment.
Cost
- Early bird pricing (individual or group of 2+): $720 per person if registered by September 16, 2025
- Standard individual rate: $780 per person for registrations after September 16, 2025
- 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 September 29, 2025
Venue
This Institute will be held online.
Certificate of Completion
Participants who attend every session and complete the on-own assignment will receive a CAL Certificate of Completion for 15 hours. Participants who choose not to complete the on-own assignment but attend all sessions will receive a certificate for 12 hours.
Policies
Registration
To reserve your seat for this institute, please complete the online registration process. 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 name, title, school, 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 purchase orders (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.
