9:15 - 9:30am

BREAK

Visit sponsors and network and select breakout sessions.

2:30 - 2:45pm

BREAK

Visit sponsors and network and select breakout sessions

8:15 - 9:15am

Keynote Session

8:00 - 8:15am

Welcome

Chair Sera Hernández, SDSU Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education

Dean Barry Chung, SDSU College of Education

Dr. Angela Bass, San Diego County Office of Education

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B3

Facilitator(s): Dr. Eva Pando Solís; Edward Park (Poway USD); Ashley Harris and Andrea Lopez (Coronado Usd); Julie Eiter (San Diego USD)

Starting Earlier: World Languages Programs in Elementary School

Starting Earlier: World Languages Programs in Proficiency in multiple languages opens a world of opportunities for students in our interconnected economy. Research shows that the earlier students are exposed to world languages and cultures, the more they will benefit. Although starting dual language programs is not always an option, there are other ways of exposing students to world languages early in their schooling. Join educational leaders and teachers from several San Diego County districts as they share their innovative approaches to global languages, such as FLES and FLEX programs, in elementary school. You’ll be surprised at how attainable it is to create these opportunities for your students! School

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 209

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B1

Facilitator(s): Mónica Aguirre & Melanie Stone

Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Adoption Toolkit Overview and English-Spanish Screener Faire

Starting Fall of 2025, all Kinder through 2nd graders must be screened for literacy difficulties, per a new California law (Ed Code 53008), including students who are English learners or served by bilingual/biliteracy programs. The Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Adoption Toolkit is designed to support school districts' and charter schools' adoption of evidence-based, culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate screening instruments from the state approved list of screeners for students in kindergarten through grade 2 at risk for reading difficulties, including possible neurological disorders such as dyslexia. Join this session for an overview of the state toolkit, learn about instructional considerations and application for literacy instruction, and receive an introduction to each screener from the SBE's approved list. The presenters will especially provide advice about serving multilingual learners equitably when screening and establishing reading instruction and intervention programs.

Session agenda: 45 min SDCOE Toolkit overview and classroom application; 60 min Screener presentations in 15 min increments;  __ time at the end for questions Language of the presentation: English

Location: Extended Students Center 206

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B2

Facilitator(s): Veronika Lopez-Mendez

Supporting Struggling Learners in Dual Language Program

This session will delve into planning considerations for struggling learners, including systems and structures for intervention. Specific focus will be on language development of the target language, accelerating reading and writing progress as well as structures for sustained implementation and monitoring.

Location: Extended Students Center 208

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B4

Facilitator(s): Norma Pérez, Antonio Ortiz and Gabriela Bailon

Dual Language Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead

Southwest Middle School Dual Language Program has been a successful program for the last 20 years.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 210

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B5

facilitator(s): Catalina Ortiz,  Yara Amparo López,  Dra. Sera Hernández y Ana Reyes

La formación docente en entornos binacionales

 La colaboración binacional para la formación ideológica de acuerdo a las necesidades de los estudiantes que compartimos entre México y Estados Unidos. La intención es formar seminarios permanentes de capacitación para las capacidades en el desarrollo de la dimensiones socioemocionales, sociopolíticas, socioculturales y sociolingüísticas.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 211

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B6

Facilitator(s): Victor Brunko and Andres Abeyta

Oracy Matters: Leveraging Technology to Transform Target Language Practice and Assessment

What if your district not only met state requirements for target language reading and writing but also excelled in developing oracy—the heart of language mastery? Join us for an engaging and interactive presentation focused on enhancing oracy through technology. In this session, we will explore the latest advancements that are transforming the ways we record, translate, and assess spoken language. As a district or charter school educator, it is essential to adopt innovative methods for measuring target language oracy skills. We will discuss strategies to ensure privacy while generating accurate proficiency reports. We will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand how these technological innovations can elevate teaching practices, boost student engagement, and provide real-time insights into oracy development, all while encouraging family involvement to create a supportive learning environment that extends beyond school.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 307

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A3

Facilitator(s): Dr. Eva Pando Solís; Emily Toone; Ricardo Leyva; Paulina Woolson and Spanish Language Department teachers (Fallbrook UHSD)

Teacher-Lead Learning Walks: The Power and Possibilities for Dual and World Language Programs at the Secondary Level

Proficiency in multiple languages opens a world of opportunities for students in our interconnected economy. Research shows that the earlier students are exposed to world languages and cultures, the more they will benefit. Although starting dual language programs is not always an option, there are other ways of exposing students to world languages early in their schooling. Join educational leaders and teachers from several San Diego County districts as they share their innovative approaches to global languages, such as FLES and FLEX programs, in elementary school. You’ll be surprised at how attainable it is to create these opportunities for your students!

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 209

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A5

Facilitator(s): Janette Dorricott and Brad Cohen

Expanding ASL Education: The Power of Motivation and the ACTFL 5Cs

Motivation methods in American Sign Language (ASL) classes have improved by encouraging learners to envision themselves as proficient signers, fostering intrinsic motivation. In alignment with the ACTFL 5Cs, these strategies enhance cultural understanding, real-world application, and engagement in ASL learning. As a result, ASL programs have grown significantly, attracting more learners nationwide.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 211

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A8

Facilitator(s): Earl Kim and Cinthia Nunez

Present our action research project that we completed with project LEAL. Share our findings of using artificial intelligence in the classroom as well introduce the audience to the tools that are available to help our English Language learner students in the classroom.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 309

7:00 - 8:00am

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcoe.org/

Hacia orientaciones y evaluaciones basadas en los bienes para desarrollar la (bi)alfabetización

This presentation will discuss methods and strategies to develop asset based orientations and assessments to measure and document developing biliteracy for students in dual language programs. Asset based orientations and practices  include assessments in Spanish and English and the interactions between the two languages.

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B0

Facilitator(s): Dra. Rebecca Blum Martínez

Una guía para la selección de materiales de alta calidad en español

[PRESENTADO EN ESPAÑOL E INGLÉS]

Foro para el Éxito de los Estudiantes de Inglés (ELSF, por sus siglas en inglés) es una colaboración de investigadores, profesores, líderes de distritos escolares y financiadores que buscan mejorar la calidad y la accesibilidad de los materiales de instrucción para los estudiantes multilingües. Recientemente, hemos desarrollado un conjunto de criterios rigurosos y de apoyo para los departamentos de educación estatales (SEAs) y los distritos escolares en la identificación de materiales de alta calidad de las Artes del Lenguaje en Español. Estos criterios se basan en un amplio estudio sobre el desarrollo de la alfabetización en español de K-5, las conexiones interlingüísticas y los planes de estudio culturalmente sensibles, entrevistas con personal del distrito y expertos en lengua española. Los participantes practicarán el uso de estos criterios con sus propios materiales. Por favor, traiga una unidad de estudio que esté utilizando actualmente.

[PRESENTED BILINGUALLY]: The English Learners Success Forum (ELSF) is a collaboration of researchers, teachers, district leaders, and funders who seek to improve the quality and accessibility of instructional materials for multilingual learners. Recently, we have developed a set of rigorous and supportive criteria for SEAs and districts in identifying high quality Spanish Language Arts materials. These criteria are based on an extensive study of Spanish literacy development K-5, cross-linguistic connections and culturally responsive curricula, interviews with district personnel and Spanish language experts. Participants will practice using these criteria with their own materials. Please bring a unit of study you are presently using.]

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B7

Facilitator(s): Monique Escobedo, MA/M.Ed,  Elizabeth Cabrera and Andrew Ferson

Centering Parent Voices Through Family Engagement

For 37 years the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) has been empowering families, serving communities, and building partnerships. We provide evidence-based programs to more than 25,000 families and nearly 420 schools annually. We work with English Learners, immigrants, refugees, and low-income families and communities. This session will provide insight into the value and cruciality of culturally responsive family engagement that centers social equity for all through education. In addition to discussing the frameworks that inform our work, we will present the knowledge, perspectives, and testimonies of parents that we have learned from directly through our research efforts. We will also offer strategies and best practices for successfully implementing family engagement practices in K12 contexts and beyond.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 308

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B9

Facilitator(s): Sylvia Porras & Martha Osuna-Jacinto

Strategic Methods for Designing Dual Language Programs in a Large Urban District

This presentation will highlight essential foundations for building high-quality dual language programs, emphasizing the key elements necessary for long-term sustainability. Topics will include program alignment, stakeholder commitment and ownership, and the stages of program development. We will also address vital aspects such as program evaluation and parent and community engagement. The ultimate objective is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes language development and academic achievement for all students.

Location: Extended Students Center 310

12:00 - 12:45pm

Panel Session 

Panelist: Dr. Rebecca Blum Martínez, Dr. Carlos Ulloa, Jorge Cuevas Antillón:

Moderator: Dr. Sera Hernández

Growing Students' Language and Sociocultural Competency through Engaging and High-Quality Texts 

This panel will offer insights and answer audience questions about creating early readers that reflect cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking community, selecting linguistically authentic texts for all grades from across the Spanish-speaking world, and inspiring educators, students and their families towards authorship.

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

11:00 - 12:00pm

60 min.

LUNCH

On your own (see hosts for list on/near SDSU campus)

Visit sponsors and network and select breakout sessions.

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A0

Facilitator(s): Dr. Rima Haroun, Norma Gómez-Michel, and Dr. Sera Hernández

Project GLAD® to Support All Multilingual Learners

This session will provide participants with an overview of Project GLAD® and how this research-based instructional model supports all multilingual learners by strengthening instructional programs and practices. The Project GLAD® model supports teachers in developing their expertise to fulfill the promise of the California English Learner Roadmap and the Global CA 2030 initiative by integrating all content areas with language development, whether in English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, etc. Project GLAD® classrooms are content-rich, language functional environments that support student achievement and the joy of teaching and learning.

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A1

Facilitator(s): Mónica Aguirre & Melanie Stone

Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Adoption Toolkit Overview and English-Spanish Screener Faire

Starting Fall of 2025, all Kinder through 2nd graders must be screened for literacy difficulties, per a new California law (Ed Code 53008), including students who are English learners or served by bilingual/biliteracy programs. The Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Adoption Toolkit is designed to support school districts' and charter schools' adoption of evidence-based, culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate screening instruments from the state approved list of screeners for students in kindergarten through grade 2 at risk for reading difficulties, including possible neurological disorders such as dyslexia. Join this session for an overview of the state toolkit, learn about instructional considerations and application for literacy instruction, and receive an introduction to each screener from the SBE's approved list. The presenters will especially provide advice about serving multilingual learners equitably when screening and establishing reading instruction and intervention programs. 

Session agenda: 45 min SDCOE Toolkit overview and classroom application; 60 min Screener presentations in 15 min increments;  __ time at the end for questions Language of the presentation: English

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 206

9:30 - 11:00

Breakout Session A2

Facilitator(s): Richard Romero

BRIDGE: Building Robust Integration of Dual Language and Global Education

Building Robust Integration of Dual Language and Global Education (BRIDGE) requires connecting Dual Language Programs with the CA World Languages Framework, ensuring alignment to enhance language learning outcomes. This session, focusing on preschool through 12th grade, will explore how Dual Language educators can leverage the World Languages Standards to guide language development. Participants will learn to create integrated pathways that align with the Global CA 2030 initiative and the CA World Languages Framework. The framework provides specific strategies, methods, and approaches for teaching students in two languages, including integrating academic content, building cultural understanding, and assessing students' language proficiency, academic knowledge, and sociocultural competence. By promoting collaboration and utilizing the framework, educators can enhance their instructional practices and support students' journey to achieving global competency.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 208

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A4

Facilitator: Norma Godina-Silva, Ph.D.; Dra. Melissa A. Navarro Martel; and Juliet Ochoa

Using Data to Determine Growth and Success of Your Dual Language Program

Successful language acquisition programs must include language assessment data to guide and monitor program implementation and track student growth over time.  Aligned to the Guiding Principles of Dual Language Instruction (Strands 1 & 4); participants will be able to discuss a dual language program assessment and accountability process that engages on-going reflection and evaluation; and promotes continuous program improvement to guide and monitor the students' journey in their dual language program.  This session highlights the importance of progress monitoring and introduces DRC's LAS Links Online Assessment and Interactive Reporting System as a tool to inform program goals, instructional practices, and track student data over time. This is a highly interactive session.  Participants will have an opportunity to collaborate and engage in hands-on activities.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 210

curriculumassociates.com 

laslinks.com

dbqproject.com 

shoonyadigital.com

Inquiry By Design is committed to student-driven literacy marked by the reading, writing about, and discussion of content-rich, complex texts. We firmly believe that all students deserve equitable access to a rigorous, culturally relevant curriculum.

inquirybydesign.com 

klettwl.com

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A6

Facilitator(s): Dr. Claudia Dunn and Dr. Mayra Vargas

Stories That Unite: Using Folktales to Cultivate Social-Emotional Learning in Multilingual Settings

This session delves into the use of folktales/ fairytales in multilingual classrooms to help multilingual students develop cultural and linguistic skills, social-emotional growth, and cognitive abilities. We can enhance learning and engagement by linking new content with familiar cultural folktales. The session will focus on practices for fostering cultural awareness by integrating diverse cultural narratives creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that celebrates and respects cultural diversity through familiar stories. Attendees will discover practical strategies for incorporating folktales into their teaching practices, promoting deeper learning, fostering empathy, enhancing social-emotional well-being, and creating a more inclusive classroom environment that supports the academic success of all learners and will gain insights into the pedagogical benefits, effective classroom strategies, and methods for promoting academic and social development.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 307

12:00 - 12:15pm

BREAK

Visit sponsors and network and select breakout sessions

2:45 - 3:15 pm

Alma Flor Ada Book Awards

Dr. Carlos Ulloa

2025 Alma Flor Ada Book Award, Opportunity Drawing, End-of-Day Inspiration: Scholarship Winners

Location: SDSU Alumni Center Main Ball Room

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A7

Facilitator(s): Jonathan Hunt

Best Bilingual Picture Books

Join us for a lively, engaging survey of the best picture books available in both English and Spanish over the past several years. Learn how to easily integrate them into your classroom with tips, strategies, curriculum connections, and lesson ideas.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 308

summitk12.com

The only Application that supports: Emotional Analysis, Storytelling and Audio-Highlighting.

https://voccent.com/

Dr. Escamilla is a member of numerous professional organizations in education and has served two terms as the president of the National Association for Bilingual Education. She has recently been appointed as a co-editor of the Bilingual Research Journal, and has served as the chair person of the Bilingual SIG for the American Education Research Association (AERA).

9:30 - 11:00am

Breakout Session A9

Facilitator(s): Dr. Ana Aguilar

Reclassification and Biliteracy

Research has revealed a great deal about how students learn to read, but the science of reading is not always reflected in literacy materials and subsequently in classroom practice. This is especially true for multilingual learners (MLLs). This session will illuminate how we can all rise to achieve greater things through a culturally and linguistically responsive approach to multiliteracy. Participants will learn how to incorporate efficient and effective language and foundational skills routines while protecting time for expanding spoken and written language, knowledge building, vocabulary, and deep comprehension. Join us to gain insights and experience a model lesson that ensures that research, practices and materials integrate with the rich tapestry of languages and cultures that make up our classrooms.

Location: Extended Studies Students Center 310

1:00 - 2:30pm

Breakout Session B8

Facilitator(s): Dra. Melissa A. Navarro Martell and Maraliz Fischler-Barraza

¿Qué onda con translanguaging in bilingual science education?

The goals of this session are to 1) engage in a brief engineering activity, 2) discuss the latest research in translanguaging in science education, and 3) explore the use of digital science notebooks to support biliteracy. This session will begin with an

interactive engineering activity followed by an overview of the current research on translanguaging in science education, highlighting bilingual/dual immersion programs. Examples from teachers in the field will be provided. The session will conclude

with a presentation on digital science notebooks, what they can look like, and how they can be used for developing biliteracy. Resources will be shared in a Google folder, including a template for starting digital science notebooks

Location: Extended Students Center 307

Our mission is for every student to find lifelong inspiration, growth, and success through literacy, language, and knowledge development.

https://www.benchmarkeducation.com/about-us