English Learner Advocacy
Language is central to identity, an important reflection of students’ heritage and cultural backgrounds. Language is also important as an academic tool across all disciplines, because it is the means by which students learn.
English learners (also known as multilingual learners or emergent bilinguals) make up nearly one in five students in California public schools. Providing multilingual learners with the supports they need to develop English language skills and academic proficiency — while celebrating the cultural and linguistic assets they bring to school — is critical for ensuring equitable access and success for our English learners.
That’s why we’re working to develop research-based recommendations and tools that education systems can implement to support these learners — from early education through the college pipeline — and help cultivate their future success.
English learners (also known as multilingual learners or emergent bilinguals) make up nearly one in five students in California public schools. Providing multilingual learners with the supports they need to develop English language skills and academic proficiency — while celebrating the cultural and linguistic assets they bring to school — is critical for ensuring equitable access and success for our English learners.
That’s why we’re working to develop research-based recommendations and tools that education systems can implement to support these learners — from early education through the college pipeline — and help cultivate their future success.
Our Experts
Rachel Ruffalo
Director of Educator Engagement
Dr. Carol Hedgspeth
Deputy Director
Raquel Morales
Government Relations Associate
Lange Luntao
Director of External Relations
Dr. Mayra Lara
Associate Director of Educator Engagement
Samantha Thompson
Associate Director of Early Learning Policy
Christa Koppuzha
Research and Data Analyst
