Supporting Multilingual Learners and English Language Learners during COVID-19 Shutdown

As districts and schools take the difficult but necessary step of closing schools to slow the spread of COVID-19, supporting student learning at home is a top priority. When it comes to slowed academic progress, multilingual learners (MLLs)/English language learners (ELLs) are among the most vulnerable of our students during this critical time. Supporting our MLLs/ELLs requires that we consider their unique challenges to accessing distance learning, both in the technological and comprehensible sense. For MLLs/ELLs, especially those who are at the beginning proficiency levels, it is crucial that they have continued access to materials in their home language(s) to continue their literacy and language development. The recommendations below offer general guidance on what to consider as you determine how to best continue your students’ language and literacy development.