As we receive confirmation from our concurrent session presenters, we will share information on their sessions. Stay tuned!
Abstract: The Routine, Integrated, Structured, Academic Oral Interaction Protocol is a popular strategy that leverages the oral mode to strengthen literacy, learning, & engagement for ELs & SLIFE at all ELP levels. Participants will learn how to do RISA by reviewing differentiated examples from many schools, content areas, & ELP levels.
Audience: K-12 Education
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation
Abstract: Rural schools often face challenges in meeting the needs of multilingual learners (MLs) and little research exists examining effective practices for MLs in rural settings. I examine how two teachers in a school district with a high percentage of MLs structured their classrooms to meet their students’ needs.
Audience: K-12 Education, Higher Education, Program Design / Administration
Presentation Type: Research-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: Do you wish you could do more to support and uplift MLEs and their teachers outside of the classroom? Advocating for MLEs may offer a partial answer. In this presentation we share how you can learn advocacy skills at both the state and national levels in WITESOL and TESOL.
Audience: K-12 Education, Adult Education, Higher Education, Migrants / Refugees
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation
Abstract: Participants will examine how language stances and pedagogies support, sustain, and develop the language of identity and criticality for students while developing the language of access in different social spaces. This session will provide an overview of theoretical frameworks that support this process. We will explore how people’s perspectives affect the experiences of multilingual individuals and their communities and what educators can do to implement different theoretical frameworks to foster liberatory learning spaces where students can thrive in schools.
Abstract: Discover strategies to strengthen family-school partnerships that support multilingual learners. This session highlights how culturally responsive engagement builds trust, fosters collaboration, and promotes student success. Participants will explore a successful family outreach model and gain practical tools to enhance communication, connection, and community with multilingual families in their own schools.
Audience: K-12 Education, Migrants / Refugees, Program Design / Administration
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation
Abstract: This session focuses on trauma-informed education for English Learners with adverse childhood experiences. Attendees will explore effective strategies to create supportive learning environments, engage in practical activities, and develop culturally responsive lesson plans. Participants will leave equipped with tools to enhance student engagement and emotional well-being in the classroom.
Audience: K-12 Education, Migrants / Refugees
Presentation Type: Research-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: This session explores alternative graduation pathways for SLIFE students with few or no credits upon arrival. Highlighting the CORE 15 initiative and other flexible options, the presentation will detail how these pathways support English acquisition, literacy, and timely graduation. A Q&A segment will follow the 35-minute presentation.
Audience: K-12 Education, Migrants / Refugees, Program Design / Administration
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation
Abstract: This presentation reviews existing research on how delayed reclassification impacts secondary multilingual learners (MLs). Strong oracy often masks academic literacy gaps, limiting rigorous coursework and reducing self-efficacy. This presentation will share actionable strategies for educators and leaders to foster timely reclassification, proficiency, and academic success for all MLs.
Audience: K-12 Education, Program Design / Administration
Presentation Type: Research-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: Learn how to use Deepsite to help students create animated text message conversations that modernize dialogue between characters. This engaging, standards-aligned tool supports creative literary analysis, voice, and digital storytelling—no coding required. Perfect for ELA, social studies, or world language classrooms in grades 6–12.
Audience: K-12 Education
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation
Abstract: This student panel features four high schoolers sharing their journeys learning English and exiting EL status. They will highlight effective classroom strategies, supportive teacher practices, and personal experiences that accelerated their language development, offering insights into what helps English learners thrive academically and linguistically.
Audience: K-12 Education
Presentation Type: Panel
Abstract: Equipping students for learning is essential for student success, especially when tied to meaningful, real-world topics. This presentation explores a university reading skills course focused on health, wellness, and the brain and learning. The presenters demonstrate how these topics empowered students and share learner training activities adaptable for various levels.
Audience: Higher Education
Presentation Type: Research-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: In this practice-oriented session, participants will explore five hands-on eco-ELT strategies that help students understand the problem with plastics. Strategies include: 1) auditing single-use plastics, 2) creating plastic sculptures, 3) pledging to reduce plastic use and writing slogans, 4) preparing an infographic, and 5) creating a song through generative AI.
Audience: K-12 Education, International Educators
Presentation Type: Workshop Practice-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: Learn why writing should begin on day one with multilingual learners and how early writing drives growth in reading, speaking, listening, grammar, and pronunciation. This session offers practical strategies, examples, and ready-to-use tools so you can confidently integrate writing at any language level and support students’ overall language development.
Audience: K-12 Education
Presentation Type: Workshop Practice-Orientated Presentation
Abstract: By consistently providing students with a high volume of opportunities to practice high-frequency constructions that elicit meaningful output, instructors can guide English language learners to build accuracy at a faster rate, which increases student confidence. In this interactive presentation, participants will engage with exercises that can transform their classroom approach.
Audience: Adult Education
Presentation Type: Workshop Practice-Orientated Presentation
Platinum Sponsor Session: Hanan Refugees Relief Group
Abstract: We will explore strategies for working with a mixed classroom of refugees who have come from traumatic environments with specialized skill sets – as well as needs – that often differ from the other ELL students in our classes, who have been living in the US for a longer period of time.
Audience: Adult Education, Migrants/Refugees, Program/Administration
Presentation Type: Workshop/Practice-Oriented Presentation