Ep 92: 5 takes on the essentials for supporting multilingual learners

In this latest episode of 5 Takes, Head of Curriculum Support, Daniela Selhuber shares practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners.

Take 1: Establish a Clear, Shared Framework for Language Development Clarity and consistency are key. Schools that adopt frameworks such as the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework or WIDA can move from reactive provision to proactive and targeted support.

A shared framework:

• Provides precise language to describe proficiency (e.g. “developing in speaking and listening but at an early stage in reading and writing”).
• Prevents overestimating social fluency (BICS) or underestimating academic needs (CALP).
• Equips all staff to scaffold learning, not just EAL specialists (Lucas & Villegas, 2013).
• Strengthens formative asse ...