Description:

In this episode of "Learning with Multilingual Students," Dr. Megan Alubicki Flick, the multilingual learner consultant at the Connecticut State Department of Education, discusses recent developments in supporting English Learners and Multilingual Learners (ELs/MLs).

Key points covered:

1. The English Learners Bill of Rights: While not introducing new rights, this legislation makes existing rights more accessible by requiring districts to post them online and provide them directly to families of identified English Learners.
2. Terminology Evolution: Dr. Flick explains the shift from "English Learner" (which focuses on what students lack) to "multilingual learner" (which recognizes their linguistic assets), though both terms are currently used as the field evolves.
3. Common Misconceptions: She addresses the misconception that English Learners are a monolithic group, emphasizing that these students come from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of education, language proficiency, and life experiences.
4. Shared Responsibility: Dr. Flick stresses that while ESL and bilingual teachers have specialist credentials, supporting multilingual learners is everyone's responsibility in a school. The supports and structures that help MLs are beneficial for all students but are essential for English Learners.
5. Resources: She recommends several resources for educators, including the Connecticut State Department of Education's English Learners webpage.
6. Throughout the interview, Dr. Flick emphasizes an asset-based approach to multilingual education and the importance of making educational rights and resources accessible to all students and their families.

Show Notes:

• 17 Ways the CSDE is Supporting Multilingual Learners
• English Learners in Connecticut's Public Schools: Guidelines for Administrators
• The power of multilingualism in education (Megan Alubicki Flick, Ted.com)