State Leadership for ML Equity
State Leadership for Multilingual Learner (ML) Equity is a research-practice partnership focused on elevating MLs in statewide policy and practice. The group is facilitated by Hayley Weddle and Megan Hopkins and includes state education leaders from across all regions of the country who collaborate to produce evidence-based resources.
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State Leadership for ML Equity is a research-practice partnershipthat includes researchers and state education agency leaders from across all regions of the country. Members include 32 leaders representing 28 states and 8 researchers. State leader members serve in varied roles focused on supporting ML students, such as Title III Directors, Program Coordinators, Educational Consultants, Support Specialists, or Data Analysts.
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The partnership addresses state leaders’ current problems of practice through collaboration and the use of research. Recent problems of practice include improving ML program implementation, developing statewide ML frameworks, and addressing ML educator shortages. These problems of practice are considered amidst diverse state contexts shaped by racial equity issues, language policy, and immigration politics.
Outputs stemming from the partnership include a series of resources states can tailor and use in their work with districts and schools, as well as within state agencies to elevate ML students in statewide initiatives.
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The ultimate goal of the partnership is to advance ML equity such that all ML students have access to—and positive experiences within—rigorous learning environments that support their sense of belonging and build on their cultural, linguistic, and experiential assets.
The partnership meets every 3 weeks on Zoom, and is open to any state education agency leader
We are grateful to the William T. Grant Foundation for providing grant funding to study how the partnership supports state leaders’ use of research in their work advancing equity for multilingual learners.