The SMEC professional development services are organized in four district categories:

• Professional Development for Teachers and Leaders Serving Multilingual Language Learners

• Professional Development for Paraprofessionals Serving Multilingual Language Learners

• Teacher Certification courses and State Assessment PD

• Dual Language (One Way and Two Way) and Newcomer’s

Sessions are customized to different levels of teachers’ expertise and with a focus on specific grade levels to make it relevant to the attendees. The services provided included professional development sessions in both, Spanish and English, coaching sessions for teachers and administrators, instructional conversations on teachers’ reflective practices, and curriculum development sessions with an emphasis on literacy-content integration for literacy or biliteracy development. This bilingual approach creates an inclusive learning environment and ensures that language is not a barrier to understanding and implementing new practices.

Biliteracy

Explore strategies for promoting literacy in both languages, empowering students to become proficient readers and writers in their native and target languages.

Language Transfer and Translanguaging Pedagogies

Learn how to leverage students’ existing language skills and promote meaningful language use through translanguaging pedagogies.

PVR and Cross-Linguistic Connections

Dive into the principles of proficiency, vocabulary, and reading development, and discover strategies for making cross-linguistic connections to support language acquisition.

Oracy

Explore techniques for developing students’ oral language skills, fostering communication and collaboration in both languages.

Content-Language-Literacy Integration

Discover how to seamlessly integrate language and literacy instruction across content areas, ensuring that language development is embedded in all aspects of the curriculum.

Sheltered Instruction

Gain insights into effective sheltered instruction strategies for English learners, ensuring access to grade-level content while supporting language development.

Newcomer Effective Practices

Learn best practices for supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of newcomer students as they adjust to a new language and culture.

State Assessment Preparation

Prepare students for success on state assessments through targeted instruction and assessment strategies aligned with state standards.

Holistic Assessment for Dual Language Bilingual Learners

Explore holistic assessment approaches that capture students’ language development and academic progress in both languages.