Mirla

Empathy in Action: Supporting Access in Inclusive Classrooms

As part of my role as a Multilingual Learner (ML) teacher, I recently entered an ELA classroom to provide push-in support to students during a poetry lesson. My purpose was not to observe instruction, but to assist multilingual learners in accessing the content and participating meaningfully in the lesson. The objective of the class wasContinue reading “Empathy in Action: Supporting Access in Inclusive Classrooms”

Who Should Administer Language Proficiency Assessments?

A Reflection on Trust, Equity, and Student Performance In schools across the country, language proficiency assessments are administered during designated testing windows to measure the academic English growth of multilingual learners. These assessments are essential. They inform instruction, guide placement decisions, and reflect students’ linguistic development over time. Yet, one critical question often goes unexamined:Continue reading “Who Should Administer Language Proficiency Assessments?”

90 Days Action Plan!

The Day Everything Changed One morning, while I was teaching, I heard my name over the intercom: “Ms. Rodriguez? Please come to the office.” I walked there calmly, unaware that this brief moment would mark the beginning of one of the most challenging seasons of my professional life. When I entered the office, the principalContinue reading “90 Days Action Plan!”

The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Multilingual Learners

By: Ms. Mirla Rodriguez Learning a second language is a challenge that many of us have experienced—sometimes voluntarily, because of the profession we chose. In my case, I wanted to become an ESL teacher. I learned English with passion and love. However, many of our Multilingual Learners (MLs) must learn it out of necessity, notContinue reading “The Importance of Differentiated Instruction for Multilingual Learners”

Reflecting on ACCESS Test Scores and WIDA: A Deeper Dive

By: Mirla Rodriguez After encountering numerous concerns from fellow multilingual learners (ML) teachers about ACCESS test scores and the WIDA framework, I initially dismissed my own apprehensions as mere personal biases against the system. However, connecting with ML educators across various states through social media prompted a more thorough investigation into the true nature andContinue reading “Reflecting on ACCESS Test Scores and WIDA: A Deeper Dive”

Navigating Transitions in ESL Teaching Approaches

Switching from one teaching approach to another in the realm of English as a Second Language (ESL) requires discernment and a thorough analysis of the existing approach. As an ESL teacher, the concern is palpable when schools or districts decide to change their methodologies, akin to swapping seats mid-journey. This transition can be particularly challengingContinue reading “Navigating Transitions in ESL Teaching Approaches”

Valuing Multilingual Learner (ML) Teachers: Essential Contributors to Education

Multilingual Learner (ML) teachers are specialized professionals dedicated to teaching English to speakers of other languages. Many school districts employ these individuals due to the increasing number of multilingual learners. Despite their invaluable contribution, their efforts often go unnoticed in schools. ML teachers are frequently overlooked and sometimes reduced to roles as translators or interpreters,Continue reading “Valuing Multilingual Learner (ML) Teachers: Essential Contributors to Education”

Supporting Multilingual Learners: A Call to Action for Mainstream Teachers

-Mirla Rodriguez- In today’s increasingly diverse classrooms, the presence of multilingual learners is more common than ever. However, a significant challenge remains: many mainstream teachers lack the knowledge and skills required to effectively support these students. While this is a recognized issue, it should not deter educators from making a genuine effort to assist theirContinue reading “Supporting Multilingual Learners: A Call to Action for Mainstream Teachers”

Navigating New Horizons: Challenges of ESL Students in American Schools

-Mirla Rodriguez- As an ESL teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children who come to the United States not by choice, but by circumstance. These young learners are thrust into American schools without any knowledge of the English language, and often, they find themselves navigating this new world in silence. Initially, these childrenContinue reading “Navigating New Horizons: Challenges of ESL Students in American Schools”