Multilingual Learner (MLL) Endorsement Program
The Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE) is excited to offer our Multilingual Learner (MLL) Endorsement Program.
This synchronous program comprises ten engaging 3-hour sessions, with two sessions dedicated to each of our five Modules: Sociocultural, Literacy Acquisition, Linguistics, Curriculum, and Assessment.
- x Months: Online + Onsite
- Cost: $2,500
Cultivating Culturally Competent Teachers
At RISPE, we recognize the linguistic and cultural diversity of Rhode Island’s student population. It is our mission to ensure that our students, particularly our English learners, are taught by educators who understand their unique experiences and perspectives. This is why we aim to foster culturally competent teachers through our programs.
Program Structure and Schedule
Each synchronous session in our MLL Endorsement program is designed to maximize your learning. We facilitate in-depth exploration of assigned readings, engaging discussions, and hands-on activities. Our expert faculty members provide clear guidance and stimulate meaningful engagement within the cohort.
The next MLL Endorsement program begins in September 2025 and concludes in June 2026. Sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
September 10th, October 8th, November 12th, December 10th, January 14th, February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th, and June 10th
Modules Overview
In this module, Students will develop an understanding of different types of second language education programs in K-12 settings, key local, state, and national policies impacting language education, and the legal requirements for serving language learners in K-12 schools.Students will be introduced to powerful structures of sociocultural learning and cognitive coaching in order to both uncover and address biases, assumptions, and “blind spots,” and begin to understand the impact of equity-based sociocultural learning opportunities.
In this module, candidates will develop an understanding of how learners develop literacy in a second language, and a cohesive approach to teaching literacy to ELs in grades K-12, while also using a critical lens to unpack and understand the theories and research distinguishing L1 and L2 literacy development.
In this module, students will explore the theories, research, and related pedagogical approaches of second language acquisition and applied linguistics, especially those pertaining to second language acquisition and teaching with a particular focus on teaching English as a second language to students in schools, grades Pre-K-12. The course will employ frameworks, repertoires, strategies and activities to raise intercultural awareness and respect others and instructional and curricular implications of multilingualism as a resource, rather than a problem.
In this module, students will develop an understanding of best practices in planning and delivering instruction to ELL students so that ELL students successfully learn and use the social and academic language and develop the communicative competencies they need to meet the Common Core State Standards and become college-ready. Candidates will explore how they can effectively establish two-way communication with ELL students’ families directly related to students’ academic, linguistic, and social learning.
The goal for this module is to increase the language assessment and evaluation literacy. Students will understand the processes of assessment in the language classroom, including an understanding of the movement in language assessment toward alternative (more authentic) testing. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on acquiring language assessment terminology and concepts and learning ways to integrate assessment procedures into any curriculum.
Investment in Your Future
The tuition for our MLL Endorsement program is $2,500. Your district may provide reimbursement, in whole or in part, for this investment in your professional development.
