In a city where students and families speak over 170 languages, ensuring every multilingual learner thrives is our paramount goal. This video series documents a shift in literacy instruction that is emerging in schools across The Bronx, in connection with NYC Reads. Grounded in a vital partnership between the Office of Multilingual Learners, District 9 Superintendent Harry Sherman, and renowned expert Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, this work supports moving practice toward a structured literacy approach that values multilingualism.

The mission is to unlock student potential by implementing a comprehensive, asset and research-based framework. Rather than viewing a student's home language as a barrier, our educators use it as the foundation for success. Through explicit and systematic instruction, a vibrant community of practice is emerging, advancing how we teach and learn.

This video series showcases the powerful work with structured literacy happening in our classrooms in the Bronx. See how educators at every level are implementing structured literacy to affirm languages and accelerate learning.

Spring 2026 Diagnostic On-Ramp Series

The Office of Multilingual Learners presents a high-impact, condensed virtual professional learning series for Spring 2026. Titled "Structured Literacy for Multilingual Learners: A Diagnostic Sprint," this initiative is designed to move educators from theory to practice by equipping them with diagnostic tools and instructional routines to support MLs/ELLs before the heavy lift of the spring testing season.

The Diagnostic & Prescriptive Approach This SY 25-26 series utilizes a "Diagnostic & Prescriptive" on-ramp that focuses on a specific three-step process:

• Diagnose: Educators learn to gather and analyze Oral Language Samples and Writing Samples to pinpoint specific linguistic needs.

• Prescribe: The series guides the transition from "What is missing?" to "How do we teach it?" by introducing high-leverage structured literacy routines tailored for MLs.

• Align: Instruction is aligned to the Science of Reading (SOR) and NYC Reads to accelerate student progress.

The Arc of Learning (January – April 2026) The series is structured into shorter, targeted virtual engagements to respect school schedules while maintaining rigor:

• Phase 1: Recruitment (January): Securing commitments from District Leads and shipping copies of Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan’s text, Literacy Foundations for English Learners, to participating teams.

• Phase 2: The Diagnostic Launch (February): Instruction on protocols for gathering baseline data from target students.

• Phase 3: Analysis & Solutions (Late February): Guided practice in data analysis and the introduction of core routines.

• Phase 4: Content Immersion (March): Deep dives into explicit instruction for Phonology, Orthography, Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics.

• Phase 5: Application & Sustainability (March – April): Optional drop-in Application Clinics and office hours for troubleshooting and bridging to test prep.

2026 Virtual Session Schedule All core sessions are held virtually from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• February 9: Session 1: The Diagnostic Lens (Diagnostic Tools)

• February 27: Session 2: Data Analysis & The "Strokes" (Routines)

• March 16: Session 3: Content Deep Dive (Phonology/Morphology)

• March 26: Session 4: Content Deep Dive (Syntax/Semantics)

Commitment and Team Composition Participating districts must co-select school teams (ideally consisting of an Instructional Leader, an ELA/Content Teacher, and an ENL/Bilingual Teacher) to ensure school-wide integration. 

Participation requires Superintendent approval via a formal nomination process, with all application materials due by January 23, 2026. The form must be submitted in parnership with the school Principal.

The work featured in these videos is grounded in a set of core principles designed to dispel common misconceptions and provide a clear, asset-based approach to multilingual education. Explore the full resource to learn more about the six keys to advancing language and literacy for multilingual learners.

The work of structured literacy is furthermore anchored and connected to the literacy shifts and work of NYC Reads to improve the literacy outcomes for all our kids. Explore the NYC Reads website to learn more.