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 was established in 2020 and is facilitated by Hayley Weddle and Megan Hopkins and includes state education leaders from 28 states spanning all regions of the country. The group meets regularly to collaboratively develop publicly-available evidence-based resources.
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State Leadership for ML Equity is a research-practice partnership that includes researchers and state education leaders from across all regions of the country. Members include 32 leaders across 28 states and 6 researchers. State leaders bring expertise across a variety of topics in ML education (e.g., programs, funding, assessment, data, etc.).
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The partnership addresses state leaders’ current problems of practice through collaboration and the use of research. Example problems of practice include improving ML program implementation, developing statewide ML frameworks, improving supports for ML students with disabilities, and addressing ML educator shortages. These problems of practice are considered across a range of state policy contexts.
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 use research to advance ML equity such that all ML students have access to—and positive experiences within—rigorous learning environments that build on their many 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.