Friday, May 15, 2026
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Keynote Session
Keynote SessionDr. Miguel Cardona Lead
May 15, 8:25am – 9:30am65 minBexar (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 400) -
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Bridging Language and Science in Dual Language Classroom
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsMagda Esparza Lead with Nidia Martinez
May 15, 9:45am – 10:40am55 minLa Salle (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Rigorous science instruction in dual language classrooms requires intentional and systematic language development. This session introduces a research-informed framework for implementing language bridging practices that advance both scientific inquiry and bilingual proficiency from Pre-K through middle school. Drawing on Cummins’ BICS/CALP distinction and the Interdependence Hypothesis, participants will analyze classroom-tested strategies including structured academic discourse routines, bilingual word walls, sentence stems, and purposeful translanguaging practices. Attendees will leave with concrete implementation tools and scalable models to center language, culture, and community as essential drivers of multilingual student achievement. -
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NeuroLectoGramática: domina la gramática y libera tu potencial lingüístico
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsJaime Leal Sotelo Lead
May 15, 9:45am – 10:40am55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
¿Buscas una estrategia sólida y científicamente validada para que tus estudiantes no solo memoricen, sino que comprendan y dominen la gramática? Acompáñanos en esta sesión interactiva para explorar la Rutina de NeuroLectoGramática, un poderoso protocolo de lectura de 3 pasos diseñado a partir de los últimos estudios sobre el cerebro y la adquisición del lenguaje. -
Rising with the Bridge: Becoming Campeones of Cross-Linguistic Transfer
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsAdriana Navarrete Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 12:05pm70 minLa Salle (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Unlock the power of the 'Bridge' in the bilingual classroom through a comprehensive exploration of the Dynamics of Cross-Linguistic Instruction, based on the foundational work of Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes. This session provides educators with a clear, research-based framework for planning standards-based transfer lessons. We will examine steps of the planning process essential for the lesson framework to be a success: standards, recognizing language subsystems, and transference relationships. Participants will gain insight into designing a strategic lesson sequence using the Gradual Release of Language. Attendees will leave with a structured approach to fostering deep linguistic connections for their students. -
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Effective Instructional Practices in Dual Language earning all points on TELPAS
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsDora Leija Lead
May 15, 10:55am – 11:50am55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Presentation will include videos, examples and modeling of the 3 dual language techniques:the dictado: diario duo and lota Lara to lead our students to high academic achievement in both English and Spanish. These strategies have led our campus to earn our 10 points for the last 3 years on TELPAS and to outperform monolingual academic achievement. -
Storytelling, Creativity, and Emotional Learning in Dual-Language Classrooms
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsMahiette Tarrago Lead
May 15, 1:45pm – 2:40pm55 minLa Salle (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
Discover how storytelling, creative play, and social-emotional learning can boost language development and cultural connection in bilingual and dual-language classrooms. This interactive session shares hands-on strategies, character-based narratives, and play-based activities that engage students while fostering confidence, cultural pride, and community. Grounded in research showing the benefits of storytelling for multilingual learners, educators will leave with practical ideas to make language learning inclusive, creative, and empowering. -
Bilingual Flourishing Champions through Love and Character Education
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsMaricarmen Esper Lead
May 15, 1:45pm – 2:40pm55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This session shows bilingual educators how to integrate love, cultural identity, and character development into everyday teaching. Participants will learn simple, bilingual strategies that strengthen relationships and nurture virtues like empathy and perseverance. Through practical examples, teachers will discover how to weave character and culture into lessons and routines. Attendees leave with ready‑to‑use tools to help every student feel valued and encourage to flourish and to thrive. -
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Translanguaging with Purpose: Research to Classroom Practice
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsMariana Jimenez Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 3:50pm55 minLa Salle (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
This hands-on workshop bridges research and classroom practice by guiding educators through the intentional design of translanguaging routines for bilingual, dual language, and ESL classrooms. After a concise overview of key research (García & Wei, 2014; Cummins, 2000) to clarify common misconceptions, participants will actively engage in designing cross-linguistic vocabulary bridges, contrastive writing scaffolds, and structured discussion protocols that promote biliteracy and academic language development.
Through collaborative planning and real classroom scenarios, attendees will create practical tools that leverage students’ full linguistic repertoires as assets while maintaining rigorous target language expectations. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement strategies and a clear framework for honoring language, culture, and community in alignment with Still We Rise: Campeones de lenguaje, la cultura, y la comunidad. -
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El dictado: A routine to promote cultural and linguistic competency
Effective Instructional Practices in Elementary DLBE ClassroomsAloise Miller Lead
May 15, 2:55pm – 3:50pm55 minReal (Level: 1st Floor, Cap 40)Show details
In this bilingual session, participants practice a step-by-step approach to implementing dictados in their classrooms. Through “structured conversations” and guided writing activities, they experience several dictados and identify ways to develop students’ oracy, metalinguistic, and cross-cultural awareness. In addition, the use of innovative strategies to teach phonology, morphology, and syntax across both program languages is a part of this language-rich presentation. Participants will learn how to maximize transfer opportunities across program languages and deepen their understanding of contrastive analysis.