What happens when a district empowers its teachers to lead change? In this episode, three educators from Federal Way Public Schools in Washington share how a grassroots effort turned into a systemwide literacy transformation across one of the state’s most diverse districts.

• A “middle-out” professional development approach that started with teachers and coaches instead of administrators
• Teacher-led transformation sparked by a kindergarten and first grade teacher exploring the science of reading
• LETRS training implementation with stipends, accountability emails, and protected learning time
• A comprehensive five-year literacy plan addressing curriculum, assessment, schedules, and support structures
• Systems change, not just PD, ensuring a holistic approach to districtwide literacy improvement
• Voluntary teacher engagement, with hundreds of teachers requesting LETRS by Year 4
• Support structures that work, based on the idea that accountability + collaboration = more impactful training

Listen now to learn how this team is redefining literacy success—and how your district can, too.

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Season 5 of All For Literacy kicks off with new host Kerri Larkin, Lexia’s Senior Education Advisor, who brings years of classroom and leadership experience to the mic.

Come join us as we dive into how the science of reading implementation is landing in real classrooms with real educators who are making this happen.

Does maintaining their heritage language help students develop literacy skills in English? The research says “yes.”

Dr. Elena Schmitt, professor of applied linguistics and educational researcher, joins All For Literacy host Dr. Liz Brooke for a detailed discussion about how supporting a student’s bilingualism supports the whole child. From maintaining access to key cultural and social interaction to supporting English literacy acquisition, helping students maintain their first language is worth the effort.

Gain an understanding of:

• How to apply the research when it comes to supporting English language learning
• Actionable ways educators can support bilingual students in their classrooms
• Why the advice to “speak English at home” can be detrimental to students
• How to create an inclusive environment centered around translanguaging

Tune in to Episode 5 for an inspirational, research-backed discussion about how heritage languages, bilingualism, and translanguaging affect student identity and success.

About Dr. Elena Schmitt

Dr. Elena Schmitt is a professor of applied linguistics and coordinator of the master’s in bilingual education and TESOL program at Southern Connecticut State University. Her research focuses on language contact, first language attrition, classroom interaction, teacher education, and technology-assisted teaching.

Join our community of listeners at All For Literacy today!