December 2021

California is expanding transitional kindergarten, or TK, to eventually offer all 4-year-olds a free year of preschool before kindergarten. As California expands transitional kindergarten, English learner advocates are urging school districts to prioritize children learning English as a second language – about 60% of young children in California. Read the six strategies advocates recommend for schools to best serve 4-year-olds who are developing language skills in English and their home language.

Read more

August 2021

About 60% of the students at Bock’s school are English learners. The school uses curriculum and approaches developed by Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) that can be used for any students but have a special focus on English learners. The organization prepared toolkits for returning to school after distance learning, with lesson plans for kindergarten through sixth grade. From songs for teachers to sing with their students to journals and research projects, the lessons focus on ways to get students talking and using vocabulary that helps them express their feelings.

Read More

June 2021

Experts widely agree that high-quality early childhood education yields long-term academic benefits. But what happens when children miss out on this opportunity? In EdSource’s published commentary, Californians Together and SEAL tackle equity challenges faced by English Learners and discuss the importance of doubling down on effective practices in the classroom — not just focusing on interventions and foundational skills! Check out the 4 essential elements of an equity-focused approach to supporting English learners in the classroom. […]

Read More

June 2021

EdSource reports on school districts that are resuming their plans and enrolling students in new bilingual immersion programs. SEAL Executive Director, Dr. Anya Hurwitz is quoted and SEAL district partners, Newark and LAUSD, are also featured in this coverage. SEAL worked extensively with the Newark Unified School District in supporting the implementation of its dual language immersion program. […]

Read More

April 2021

SEAL is highlighted in New America’s article about utilizing COVID relief funding to support English Learners and suggested recommendations schools and districts should consider ensuring they are maximizing their ability to boost ELs’ learning. […]

Read More

April 2021

English Learners have been among the most vulnerable students during the pandemic. However, school districts like Newark Unified in Alameda County and Oak Grove in San Jose have gone above and beyond to ensure that their students are being provided adequate support to succeed. With the ongoing support of programs like SEAL, district leaders continue to partner with teachers and have embraced parents as critical allies during this critical moment. […]

Read More

January 2021

In California the vast majority of classrooms continue to be virtual, resulting in numerous hours spent huddled around a computer screen every single day. For dual language learners (DLLs), children 0-5 who speak a language other than English at home, the inequities they must navigate in the school system has been amplified during the pandemic. Although educational barriers remain present, inspirational educators across the state are rising above and beyond to inspire their English learners from across virtual platforms. […]

Read More

December 2020

California has made numerous efforts in recent decades to ensure that preschools meet the needs of children who are not fluent in English. But the Master Plan includes several new proposals for dual-language learners that advocates hope will improve their education outcomes. “In general the master plan is a huge moment for California and a huge move forward,” said Anya Hurwitz, executive director of Sobrato Early Academic Language, a nonprofit organization that developed an early childhood education program for dual-language learners and has trained teachers across the state. […]

Read More

Funk: Literacy program at Oak Grove making difference for English learners

The SEAL model produces powerful language skills and rich academic vocabulary development through hands-on science and social studies based thematic units addressing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). SEAL also supports parents to develop language and literacy practices with their children at home and in the classrooms that result in authentic family engagement and a home-to-school connection. […]

Read More