Unlocking the Multilingual Advantage: Practical Strategies to Accelerate Literacy for Every Learner

Multilingual learners (MLs) are among the fastest-growing student populations in U.S. schools. But while these students bring rich linguistic and cultural assets into the classroom, they are often met with a system that underestimates their potential or fails to provide the supports they need to thrive. It’s time we shift the narrative—from deficit to asset—and equip educators with tools designed to unlock the multilingual advantage.

From “EL” to “ML”: A Shift in Mindset

The language we use reflects the values we uphold. While terms like English Language Learner (EL) are still common in federal grants and compliance documentation, researchers and educators are moving toward more affirming language—such as Emergent Bilingual or Multilingual Learner (ML). These terms recognize the reality: these students aren’t lacking in language—they are developing proficiency in more than one.

“Multilingual students bring cognitive ‘superpowers’—such as increased executive functioning and problem-solving—to the classroom,” notes a recent EdSurge article by Tamez-Robledo (2024). These strengths are not always reflected in standardized assessments, but they are real and consequential.

The Current Landscape: A Call to Action

According to Education Week (Najarro, 2024), multilingual learners now make up over 10% of the K-12 population nationwide. In some districts, that number is more than double. And yet, these students often face the steepest academic challenges—especially in writing and speaking, which remain the lowest-performing domains nationally.

ThinkCERCA’s approach to literacy closes that gap. Our platform is designed to build language proficiency through rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, without lowering expectations.

Built-in Supports for Every Domain

ThinkCERCA supports all four domains of language development—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—with targeted scaffolds that make grade-level content accessible.

• Listening: Interactive Immersive Reader and comprehension checks offer instant feedback and reinforce understanding.
• Reading: Leveled passages and foundational literacy tools identify gaps and provide differentiated instruction at the point of need.
• Writing: Structured supports guide students through claims, evidence, reasoning, and conclusions—skills that also transfer to oral communication.
• Speaking: Our speaking rubric mirrors our writing framework, helping students apply their thinking across modalities.

Equity through Access: Tools That Empower

Our multilingual scaffolds include:

• Text-to-speech and native-language translation (in 166+ languages)
• Picture dictionaries for all vocabulary
• Syllable highlighting, focus mode, and customizable fonts
• Visual summaries and interactive skill rehearsals to build background knowledge

These features aren’t add-ons—they’re essentials, embedded into the daily experience of learning.

Vocabulary Instruction that Builds Confidence and Content Mastery

Academic vocabulary is often a gatekeeper for comprehension, especially in middle and high school. ThinkCERCA’s yearlong vocabulary program provides weekly, targeted instruction with explicit supports for multilingual learners. The goal? To build a shared academic language across content areas while honoring students’ home languages.

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Culture of Belonging

Instructional supports matter—but so does culture. Schools that celebrate heritage, invite parent voice, and reflect the communities they serve see higher engagement and stronger achievement outcomes.

• Are your school events welcoming to all families?
• Do parents feel seen and heard in your planning processes?
• Does your curriculum reflect the diversity of your student body?

When students feel seen, they show up—and grow.

Let’s Rethink What’s Possible for Multilingual Learners

Multilingual learners don’t need watered-down content or isolated support. They need inclusive, rigorous, and asset-based instruction that leverages their strengths and sets them up for success.

At ThinkCERCA, we’re here to partner with you to make that a reality—every day, in every classroom.

Schedule a demo or connect with our team to explore how we can support your ML strategy.