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Exploring ESL Challenges and Solutions in a Growing School District
In this episode of The Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the scenes of one of the most linguistically diverse and economically challenged districts in the nation.
You’ll discover how Springdale is innovating literacy instruction through targeted English language development, federally funded family literacy programs, and data-driven teacher collaboration. From navigating a student body that speaks over 49 languages to adapting curriculum and technology for multilingual learners, this episode is a blueprint for inclusive, effective, and equitable literacy education.
Whether you’re a district leader, classroom teacher, or education advocate, this conversation delivers practical insights on how to meet students—and their families—where they are, and help them thrive.
Key Moments
00:00 "Excited Arkansas Conversation Intro"
04:09 Diverse Student Linguistic Support
06:39 Comprehensive Language Support Program
09:53 "EL Achieve Curriculum Implementation"
16:18 Supplemental Software Enhances Classroom Learning
19:25 Instructional Facilitators Enhance Education
22:45 Focus on Oral Language Development
27:37 Bridging Language Gaps for Students
30:32 Arkansas Teachers Embrace Science of Reading
32:10 Educator Training and Proficiency Mandates
35:54 "Future Focus: Language in Education"
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and community-driven change, this episode will leave you inspired. You’ll hear how Springdale’s leaders are blending the science of reading with culturally responsive practices, using data without losing the human element, and reshaping the role of schools as hubs of family empowerment. It's a candid, insightful look at what it really takes to turn challenges into meaningful, measurable growth.
Connect with Kimberly Glass
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-glass-57911514
Website: https://www.sdale.org/
Connect with Dr. Carrie Bradow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carrie-bradow-32504957
Website: https://www.sdale.org/
Follow & Subscribe
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
Company Website: http://MindPlay.com
Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Literacy Mindset Podcast and leave us a review!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.
View all episodes
By Jeff PendletonIn this episode of The Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the scenes of one of the most linguistically diverse and economically challenged districts in the nation.
You’ll discover how Springdale is innovating literacy instruction through targeted English language development, federally funded family literacy programs, and data-driven teacher collaboration. From navigating a student body that speaks over 49 languages to adapting curriculum and technology for multilingual learners, this episode is a blueprint for inclusive, effective, and equitable literacy education.
Whether you’re a district leader, classroom teacher, or education advocate, this conversation delivers practical insights on how to meet students—and their families—where they are, and help them thrive.
Key Moments
00:00 "Excited Arkansas Conversation Intro"
04:09 Diverse Student Linguistic Support
06:39 Comprehensive Language Support Program
09:53 "EL Achieve Curriculum Implementation"
16:18 Supplemental Software Enhances Classroom Learning
19:25 Instructional Facilitators Enhance Education
22:45 Focus on Oral Language Development
27:37 Bridging Language Gaps for Students
30:32 Arkansas Teachers Embrace Science of Reading
32:10 Educator Training and Proficiency Mandates
35:54 "Future Focus: Language in Education"
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and community-driven change, this episode will leave you inspired. You’ll hear how Springdale’s leaders are blending the science of reading with culturally responsive practices, using data without losing the human element, and reshaping the role of schools as hubs of family empowerment. It's a candid, insightful look at what it really takes to turn challenges into meaningful, measurable growth.
Connect with Kimberly Glass
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-glass-57911514
Website: https://www.sdale.org/
Connect with Dr. Carrie Bradow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carrie-bradow-32504957
Website: https://www.sdale.org/
Follow & Subscribe
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
Company Website: http://MindPlay.com
Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Literacy Mindset Podcast and leave us a review!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.