Structured Literacy is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach for literacy instruction that is based upon language skills and the need to connect oral and written language to enable literacy. It includes foundational skills of reading and writing in addition to the development of oral language and comprehension. In this joint session co-presented by Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan and Dr. Claude Goldenberg, evidence-based practices for the successful development of literacy among English learners will be described. To begin the session, Dr. Goldenberg will discuss critical differences between oral and written language and the implications for instruction for ELs / emergent bilinguals; Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan will discuss screening, progress monitoring, and instruction at Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Demonstration of effective literacy instruction for English learners that builds upon first language and literacy knowledge for the development of second language literacy will be modeled. Following their presentations, the speakers will engage in a facilitated conversation about structured literacy and assessment for multilingual learners, with plenty of time for audience questions.

The ability to read is a great thing, but it is not the goal. The goal is something else, something that is easier to reach if you can read than if you can’t. Reading is a piece of that puzzle, an important piece, but not the only piece. Dr. Dykstra will discuss the pieces essential to all children, how they interact with each other, and how, in recent years, those pieces have evolved very rapidly in ways we should be aware of if we want our children to have the best chance possible at a life they can be glad to live.