Project PEARLL

SEAL is proud to collaborate on Project PEARLL (Purposeful Engagement in Academic Rigor and Language Learning), a five-year initiative (2021–2026) funded by a National Professional Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for English Language Acquisition. Led by Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL), the project brings together a consortium that includes SEAL, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified), and the Wexford Institute.

Serving 14 schools across four geographic regions in LA Unified, Project PEARLL supports educators and families in fostering academic achievement and preventing Long-Term English Learner (LTEL) status for multilingual learners. This comprehensive professional learning program equips coaches, teachers, and families with evidence-based strategies to create engaging learning environments, improve literacy and language outcomes, and meet high professional standards.

Project PEARLL Goals:

  • Enhancing Classroom Strategies: Increasing the use of evidence-based strategies in TK–5 classrooms to support multilingual learners.
  • Family Engagement: Encouraging families to actively participate in literacy activities with their children.
  • Building a Bilingual Teacher Pipeline: Supporting the development of newly authorized bilingual teachers.

Research and Evaluation:

Project PEARLL includes a robust evaluation and research component led by the Wexford Institute. This includes performance feedback, progress monitoring, a teacher development study, and research on student outcomes to assess the program’s impact on language development and academic success.

A Systemwide Approach to Multilingual Education:

Educators participating in Project PEARLL use strategies that challenge students to develop complex academic vocabulary, immerse them in rich literature, and engage with high-level informational texts. These approaches, combined with leadership training and family workshops, create a holistic system of support for multilingual learners.

National Recognition:

In October 2024, New America published an educational policy brief, Professional Development to Prevent Long-Term English Learners in LA Unified, spotlighting Project PEARLL's systemwide approach to English Learner-focused professional learning. The brief included interviews with project leaders and educators, showcasing the program's positive impact. Read the full feature here or for a summary read SEAL’s blog.

For more information contact SEAL at hello@seal.org

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