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In December 2024, SEAL hosted the Dual Language Convening, titled “Designated ELD, Cross Language Connections and the Genius of the Dual Language Brain.” From the flawless logistics to the thoughtfully curated agenda, every detail showcased SEAL’s dedication and commitment to excellence. A part of our Dual Language Series, we brought together nine districts and 13 school site partners from across California, bringing together administrators, educators, and other key stakeholders, to foster learning and collaboration.
Interactive and Engaging Learning in Action
SEAL convenings go beyond traditional learning formats. Rather than simply listening to a lecture, participants engage in interactive and collaborative learning experiences—just as we believe students should. During the convening, participants shared insights with peers, engaged in group activities, and applied what they learned in real-time. The walls of the room filled with vibrant posters from actual SEAL classrooms and other visual aids that attendees used during their activities.
One especially engaging part of the day was an activity where participants selected a key term about cross language pedagogy on the walls of the room, drew a visual representation, defined it, and discussed its significance with colleagues. The creativity was inspiring—one group illustrated a multilingual brain, while another depicted the intertwining of different languages through a flowing waterfall as shown during the presentation.
Focus on Asset-Based Language for English Learners
During an interactive keynote presentation, participants had an opportunity to explore the genius of the multilingual brain — and ways to activate bilingualism in students.
SEAL presenters shared how the dual language brain forms connections between languages, and how one language builds upon the other. Participants shared in pairs something new they learned about attending to the bilingual brain, as well as ways to bring cross-language connections into the classroom!
Deep Dive into Designated and Integrated ELD
Another highlight of the day was a deep dive into Designated and Integrated English Language Development (ELD). Through meaningful discussions, participants shared challenges and actionable strategies to enhance ELD instruction in dual language settings. The session culminated with participants contributing to a collaborative "Wall of Action," symbolizing their collective commitment to students.
Breakout Sessions: Tailored for Educators and Administrators
Attendees were provided with an opportunity to focus on tools and strategies that were most relevant to their role at school sites.
Educators: Participants were split into three groups based on grade-level and focused on Oral Language Analysis (OLA). Each group analyzed their students' language to create responsive designated ELD lessons. Participants left with practical resources ready to use right away. The goal of the OLA is to provide a formative assessment for English Learners based upon oral language and use it to inform instruction.
Administrators: During the first half of the breakout sessions, administrators joined a group of their choice. In the second half administrators participated in a leadership-focused breakout session featuring a panel of administrators from SEAL partners, Oak Grove School District and Winters Joint Unified School District. Moderated by SEAL staff, the panel provided valuable insights and sparked thoughtful discussions about effective dual language programs and how to best support teachers in implementing designated ELD.
A Collaborative Experience for All
Throughout the convening, SEAL staff facilitated rich discussions and hands-on activities, strengthening the sense of community among participants. Whether brainstorming strategies or reflecting on classroom practices, participants left energized and inspired to implement what they had learned.
Join Us - Immerse Yourself in Dual Language Education!
Learn About our Dual Language Teacher & Leadership Pedagogy Series
Designed specifically for Dual Language Educators and Leaders! Join us to gain effective, equity-focused strategies to strengthen your bilingual instruction and school through a series of hands-on offerings. We are currently enrolling for our 2025-2026 cohort.
Read about Effective ELD in California's Dual Language Programs
The following article is meant to be used by classroom teachers, coaches, principals and other district leaders as a guide for program implementation and instruction. The article addresses how English Language Development is a legal requirement that provides EL/EBs with equal access to education, as well as describes the differences between Integrated and Designated English Language Development which must be provided alongside robust language development in the LOTE (Language Other Than English).