Schedule

"The Intersection of Biliteracy: Moving Away from Traditional Restrictive Either/Or Procedures” 

Dr. Elena Izquierdo, University of Texas El Paso

As Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) expands, the field faces a critical question: Are instructional, assessment, and evaluation practices truly designed to develop biliteracy, or do they remain rooted in monolingual assumptions? Too often, biliteracy is approached through restrictive either/or procedures that separate languages, content areas, and literacy practices while assuming learning will transfer automatically across contexts. In reality, biliteracy develops at the intersections of language, cognition, communication, content learning, instruction, assessment, and opportunity.

As educators are asked to revise language allocation plans, limit partner-language instruction, modify assessments, and adopt new reading programs, decisions must be guided by research and the realities of DLBE classrooms. By embracing a more interconnected approach, educators and leaders can better realize the promise of Dual Language Bilingual Education, and ultimately the success of our emergent bilingual learners!

"Driving Achievement and Biliteracy: Implementing the Dual Language Framework of Texas for Program Effectiveness”

Dr. Xóchitl Anabel Rocha, Director of Bilingual Education & G/T Programs at the Texas Education Agency

This session highlights how teachers and leaders can use the Texas Education Agency Dual Language Framework to strengthen program design, instruction, and outcomes for emergent bilingual students. Participants will explore practical strategies for building biliteracy, aligning classroom practices with systemwide goals, and using data to improve program effectiveness. 

"The Twain Model: Creating and Maintaining High-Impact Dual Language Programs (Panel Presentation)”

Mr. David García, Dr. Claudia Cabrera, Dr. Kathryn I. Henderson, and Dr. Olivia Hernández, Sponsored by Velázquez Press

This panel explores “The Twain Model” as a framework for designing, implementing, and sustaining high-impact dual language programs. Panelists will share practical strategies for program coherence, instructional alignment, and leadership practices that support biliteracy and long-term student success. Participants will gain actionable insights on maintaining program fidelity while adapting to diverse district contexts and student populations. 

"Think, Talk, Transfer: Using Metalanguage to Build Biliteracy"

Dr. Sandra Mercuri, sponsored by Velázquez Press

How can metalanguage facilitate biliteracy in the dual language classroom? In this session, the presenter discusses how talking and thinking about language within and across English and Spanish promotes the development of academic discourse, cross-linguistic connections, and language transfer. Teachers will learn actionable strategies to intentionally plan for biliteracy instruction that leads to deeper understanding and academic success. 

"The Dual Language Experience: Amplifying Leaders, Teachers and Student Voices (Panel Presentation)"

Dr. Larry Berger, Pearland ISD Superintendent; Mr. Gilberto Mejía, San Antonio ISD DL Teacher; Mr. Rogelio Lara, Richardson ISD DL Teacher; Ms. Leslie Cortez, McAllen ISD DL Student Graduate

This panel highlights the dual language experience through the perspectives of leaders, teachers, and students. Panelists will share lived experiences and practical insights on how effective dual language programs elevate instructional practice, strengthen leadership capacity, and amplify student voice. The discussion will focus on what it takes to build equitable, culturally sustaining environments where multilingual learners thrive academically and linguistically. 

"Aprendizaje Bluebonnet: Leveraging Curriculum Resources Effectively to Support Biliteracy Development"

Dr. Natalia Carrillo, Deputy Director of HQIM Academic Content at the Texas Education Agency

This session will highlight the different components of Aprendizaje Bluebonnet Reading Language Arts that were designed to support emergent bilingual students' Spanish language development. We will explore how curriculum resources and strategies can be leveraged to support student's biliteracy development.