EDvance’s Commitment to Multilingual Learners: Insights from the CABE Conference

EDvance remains steadfast in its mission to support multilingual learners, as demonstrated by the impactful participation of Lead Faculty Dr. Liz Alvarado and Dr. Bernadette Pilar Zermeño at the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference. Their presentations and engagement in sessions underscored EDvance’s dedication to equitable, culturally responsive education.

A key highlight was their joint presentation with Early Edge partners, “Strategies and Tools to Identify and Support Dual Language Learners.” Dr. Alvarado described the session as one that "created meaningful dialogue among educators committed to equity and access in early learning." It also explored legislative advancements and the practical use of the Multilingual Learning Toolkit in PK-3 settings.

Dr. Alvarado also participated in a workshop on preschool language development using the GLAD model, and attended a Multiliteracy Pre-Conference Convening hosted by Californians Together and led by Dr. Laurie Olsen. This convening brought together educators and advocates to strengthen foundational support systems for multilingual learners across early childhood and K–16 settings. Her advocacy was honored at the English Learner Leadership & Legacy Initiative (ELLLI) reception, where she received a pin for her participation in ELLLI Action Days, meeting with state assembly members to champion multilingual learner rights.

Dr. Zermeño engaged in sessions emphasizing culturally relevant practices, including Dr. Pedro Noguera’s talk on strengths-based approaches to student resilience and the Orange County Department of Education’s session on integrating Cambodian, Hmong, and Vietnamese model curricula. Reflecting on the latter, she shared her key takeaway: "I learned about integrating language and cultural experiences for students whose stories have been erased from textbooks". This insight underscores the value of community-centered, inclusive education.

Additionally, Dr. Zermeño presented individually, sharing insights from her journey to Todos Santos, Guatemala, and strategies for supporting newcomers in Oakland, CA, while emphasizing joy, hands-on learning, and thematic units in early literacy.

The conference’s collaborative environment reinvigorated Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Zermeño, equipping them to further empower EDvance’s multilingual learners with research-based, culturally responsive strategies.