Advocacy, Policy and Research | | |
Why California Must Strengthen Funding for Bilingual Education in California
A recent EdSource article examines why Texas is outpacing California in expanding bilingual education — despite California’s visionary initiatives like Global California 2030 and the English Learner Roadmap. The article highlights how California’s dual language programs struggle to scale without deeper, sustained investment. SEAL Executive Director Dr. Anya Hurwitz and our partners at Californians Together shared critical insights on the uneven access to bilingual programs across districts and the urgent need for stronger, more equitable funding. Read the full article HERE.
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Assemblymember Muratsuchi visits SEAL Classrooms
SEAL joined Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi at Azusa Unified School District for an inspiring visit to see SEAL's evidence-based practices in action. It was powerful to witness how language development, academic content and literacy are seemlessly integrated across subjects - bringing learning to life for multilingual learners and all students. We’re grateful to the incredible teachers who opened their classrooms, the visionary leaders at Azusa Unified for their commitment to educational equity, and our dedicated SEAL partners who make this work possible every day. Together, this visit was a testament to the power of partnership in advancing outcomes for multilingual learners.
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Statewide Collaboration to Support English Learners
In April, SEAL joined longtime partners at the California Department of Education's Bilingual Coordinators Meeting in Sacramento. Executive Director Dr. Anya Hurwitz co-presented with Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Equity for English Learners and Los Angeles Unified School District on “Synergistic Partnerships: Advancing Policy and Practice to Prevent Long-Term English Learner Status.” SEAL is proud to be part of these collaborative efforts to shape policies and practices that ensure English learners develop strong language skills, thrive academically, and are fully supported throughout their educational journey.
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Growth and Impact:
SEAL’s Inaugural Annual Report
Earlier this year, we released SEAL’s first-ever Annual Report — a powerful reflection of five years as an independent nonprofit and over 15 years of advancing educational outcomes for multilingual learners. If you haven’t had a chance to explore it yet, the report is filled with powerful stories, milestones, and a vision that continues to shape the future of education in California. We invite you to take a look and see how SEAL’s impact continues to grow — and how you can be part of what’s next. READ HERE.
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Inspiring Educators, Advancing Biliteracy: 2025 Dual Language Convening Highlights
This quarter, SEAL hosted two Dual Language Convenings, bringing together more than 240 dedicated educators from 12 partner school districts in February and 9 districts in April. These powerful gatherings showcased the collective commitment to advancing authentic, effective biliteracy instruction and assessment for multilingual learners.
In February, educators engaged in deep learning and collaboration, with a keynote by Dr. Susan Hopewell, Associate Professor and Director of Literacy Squared, who spoke on "Holistic Bilingual Assessment and Cross-Language Connections". In April, educators continued the momentum, inspired by a keynote from Alexandra Güílamo on "Inequity’s Disruption: How Instruction Can Pull in Those Who’ve Been Pushed to the Margins."
We’re grateful to every educator and leader who brought their passion, insights, and energy to these transformative spaces — and we invite you to join this dynamic community.
Enrollment for SEAL’s 2025–2026 Dual Language Series is now open!
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NEW BLOG SERIES: Centering Dual Language Learners in Transitional Kindergarten
SEAL is proud to be part of the Dual Language Learner Master Plan Advocates in launching the new “Dual Language Learners in Transitional Kindergarten” blog series. This timely series highlights how California's TK expansion offers a powerful opportunity to better support its youngest and most vulnerable learners — especially Dual Language Learners. SEAL co-authored the first blog, setting the stage by examining the current landscape and reinforcing why now, more than ever, DLLs must be at the center of TK policy, practice, and implementation conversations. Read the first blog here
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SEAL at CABE 2025: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
SEAL was proud to be part of the 50th annual California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference in Long Beach! More than 1,250 participants joined our various SEAL sessions to explore actionable topics like strengthening family-school partnerships, implementing effective ELD strategies, and fostering bilingualism in Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. We are deeply grateful to our partners at CABE for their leadership and for creating a space that honors the rich legacy of bilingual education. Congratulations to CABE on 50 years of championing multilingual learners!
Check out our LinkedIn post for photos and highlights from this inspiring event!
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Podcast Feature: The Power of Multilingualism
In March, SEAL was honored to join the San Diego County Office of Education on Drew Schlosberg’s Spotlight on the Community podcast to highlight the power and promise of bilingual education in California. The conversation explored the urgent need for more bilingual educators, the importance of the Seal of Biliteracy, and the role multilingualism plays in building stronger communities and a brighter future. Special thanks to Mission Fed Credit Union for sponsoring the series! Listen to the full conversation HERE.
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Bilingualism Is a Superpower
April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month — a time to celebrate the accomplishments of multilingual learners, uplift the lifelong benefits of bilingualism, and advocate for policies that help all students thrive. At SEAL, we believe bilingualism and biliteracy are superpowers. Multilingual learners bring cultural richness, cognitive strengths, and valuable skills to our classrooms and communities. Read our latest blog post for stories, resources, and reflections on why multilingualism is a strength — and a key to a brighter future.
| | | Professional Learning Opportunities | | | | |
Strengthen Your District’s Dual Language Programs
Enrollment is now open for SEAL’s 2025–2026 Dual Language Series, with two regional cohorts offered in Southern and Northern California! Designed for educators, coaches, and school/district leaders, this series draws on SEAL's evidence-based, research-based approach to strengthening bilingual instruction and leadership. Participants will gain effective strategies for building biliteracy, understand the multilingual brain, and learn about Designated and Integrated ELD in the Dual Language classroom.
Learn more HERE or contact Ulises Gonzalez at ulises@seal.org for details.
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Bonus Opportunity: Build Your Bilingual Teacher Pipeline at NO COST
Districts that participate in SEAL’s Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program (BTPDP) can qualify for full subsidies to support aspiring bilingual educators — a critical investment at a time of growing demand for bilingual teachers. SEAL’s BTPDP not only strengthens your teacher pipeline but also ensures your dual language programs are led by highly skilled, equity-driven educators prepared to meet the needs of multilingual learners. Don’t miss this chance to build capacity and sustainability for your district’s future.
Learn more about BTPDP
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Our event web page keeps you up to date with easy links to register to upcoming webinars and conferences. On the Horizon:
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Be sure to check out some publications events from our advocacy partners:
Strategic Analysis of English Learner Programs
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A new analysis by WestEd, in partnership with Sobrato Philanthropies, highlights the urgent need to expand access to high-quality programs for English Learners in California. Explore the findings, briefs, and tools HERE
Voices from the Field: The Impact of the Implementation of Science of Reading Instruction and Policy on Emergent Bilingual/English Learner Literacy Programs and Teachers
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This study from the National Committee for Effective Literacy explores real-world implementation of Science of Reading (SoR) policies and the need for a more comprehensive approach that meets the needs of multilingual learners, drawing on insights from nearly 80 educators working with emergent bilinguals and English learners. Read the full report HERE.
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