Advocating for Multilingual Learners
A Guide for Educators
Second Edition
Diane Staehr Fenner
- SupportEd
Sydney Cail Snyder
- SupportEd
Purchase
eBook
ISBN:
9781071974810
Available from
January 0001
Paperback
ISBN:
9781071974797
Available from
July 2026
Description
Equip yourself with the tools to champion equitable education for every multilingual learner
Multilingual learners (MLs) are our fastest-growing student population, yet they often lack a voice in their own education. Without intentional advocacy, systemic barriers stand in the way of their potential. Navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming, but this approachable guide can help build a shared sense of responsibility across your entire school or district. Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney C. Snyder explore how to foster effective instruction, fair assessments, and robust family partnerships, among other topics.
This essential resource provides:
- A five-step advocacy framework to confidently identify and address the pressing issues facing your MLs
- The ML Advocacy Audit and hands-on activities to guide collaborative professional learning
- Real-world stories from educators successfully advocating for their students
- Updated research and brand-new chapters on newcomer students, professional learning, and equitable programming
By actively disrupting inequities, you create a welcoming community where every child belongs. Discover how to advocate effectively so your students receive the joyful, empowering education they deserve.
Contents
Foreword
Foreword
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Authors
Introduction
- Why We Wrote the Second Edition and What’s New
Chapter 1. Need for Advocacy for Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- Call for an Advocacy Perspective on Teaching MLs
- Who MLs Are
- Five Core Beliefs
- Defining Advocacy for MLs
- What the Research Tells Us
- The Five-Step Advocacy Process
- Conclusion
Chapter 2. Advocating for a Shared Sense of Responsibility for Educating Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- A Shared Sense of Responsibility for ML Education and ML Advocacy
- The Role of Educators’ Culture, Experiences, and Mindsets
- Understanding and Building Relationships With ML Families
- Fostering a School Culture and Climate That Center MLs
- Professional Learning and Reflection
- Conclusion
Chapter 3. Advocating for Effective Instruction of Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Collaborating to Implement Effective Instructional Practices
- Collaborating in Support of MLs’ Equitable and Excellent Instruction
- Scaffolded Unit Planning Tool
- Conclusion
Chapter 4. Advocating for Multilingual Learners in Assessment
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Validity of Assessments for MLs
- Assessment of MLs for Special Education Identification
- Assessment of MLs for Gifted and Talented Programs
- ML Committees as an Avenue to Advocacy in Assessment
- ELP Assessment Advocacy Issues
- ML Progress Monitoring of MLs’ Language Development
- Tracking MLs’ Content Assessment Achievement After Exit as an Advocacy Tool
- Formative Assessment as an Advocacy Tool
- Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Assessment for Special Education Purposes
- Advocating for the Appropriate Assessment of Multilingual Learners for Inclusion in Gifted and Talented Programs
- Grading and Advocating for MLs
- Equitable Assessment and/or Grading Advocacy Plan
- Conclusion
Chapter 5. Advocating for Multilingual Learner Newcomer Students
- Introduction
- Who ML Newcomer Students and Their Families Are
- What the Research Tells Us
- Scaffolded Advocacy
- Intake, Enrollment, and Registration Considerations
- ML Newcomer Programming
- Supporting ML Newcomers’ Social and Emotional Needs and Mental Health
- Conclusion
Chapter 6. Advocating for Effective Multilingual Learner Family and School Partnerships
- Introduction
- Who Are ML Families?
- What the Research Tells Us
- Strategies for Developing Stronger Family-School Partnerships
- Conclusion
Chapter 7. Advocating for Multilingual Learners Through Professional Learning
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Professional Learning Options for Improving Instructional Practices for MLs
- Sample Professional Learning Framework
- Planning for Professional Learning
- Professional Learning Cycle Components
- ML Professional Learning Advocacy Audit
- Conclusion
Chapter 8. Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Access to Educational Opportunities
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Designing Effective Schedules for MLs
- Considerations for ML Program Types and Instructional Models
- Empowering School Counselors to Advocate for MLs
- Extracurriculars for MLs
- Advocating for MLs’ Access to and Support in Career and Technical Education Programs
- Conclusion
Chapter 9. Next Steps in Advocating for Multilingual Learners
- Building Your Team of Allies
- Collaboration Tools for Advocacy Discussions
- Conclusion
Image Sources
Image Sources
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://supported.com/advocate/Additional materials
Description
Equip yourself with the tools to champion equitable education for every multilingual learner
Multilingual learners (MLs) are our fastest-growing student population, yet they often lack a voice in their own education. Without intentional advocacy, systemic barriers stand in the way of their potential. Navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming, but this approachable guide can help build a shared sense of responsibility across your entire school or district. Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney C. Snyder explore how to foster effective instruction, fair assessments, and robust family partnerships, among other topics.
This essential resource provides:
- A five-step advocacy framework to confidently identify and address the pressing issues facing your MLs
- The ML Advocacy Audit and hands-on activities to guide collaborative professional learning
- Real-world stories from educators successfully advocating for their students
- Updated research and brand-new chapters on newcomer students, professional learning, and equitable programming
By actively disrupting inequities, you create a welcoming community where every child belongs. Discover how to advocate effectively so your students receive the joyful, empowering education they deserve.
Contents
Foreword
Foreword
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Authors
Introduction
- Why We Wrote the Second Edition and What’s New
Chapter 1. Need for Advocacy for Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- Call for an Advocacy Perspective on Teaching MLs
- Who MLs Are
- Five Core Beliefs
- Defining Advocacy for MLs
- What the Research Tells Us
- The Five-Step Advocacy Process
- Conclusion
Chapter 2. Advocating for a Shared Sense of Responsibility for Educating Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- A Shared Sense of Responsibility for ML Education and ML Advocacy
- The Role of Educators’ Culture, Experiences, and Mindsets
- Understanding and Building Relationships With ML Families
- Fostering a School Culture and Climate That Center MLs
- Professional Learning and Reflection
- Conclusion
Chapter 3. Advocating for Effective Instruction of Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Collaborating to Implement Effective Instructional Practices
- Collaborating in Support of MLs’ Equitable and Excellent Instruction
- Scaffolded Unit Planning Tool
- Conclusion
Chapter 4. Advocating for Multilingual Learners in Assessment
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Validity of Assessments for MLs
- Assessment of MLs for Special Education Identification
- Assessment of MLs for Gifted and Talented Programs
- ML Committees as an Avenue to Advocacy in Assessment
- ELP Assessment Advocacy Issues
- ML Progress Monitoring of MLs’ Language Development
- Tracking MLs’ Content Assessment Achievement After Exit as an Advocacy Tool
- Formative Assessment as an Advocacy Tool
- Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Assessment for Special Education Purposes
- Advocating for the Appropriate Assessment of Multilingual Learners for Inclusion in Gifted and Talented Programs
- Grading and Advocating for MLs
- Equitable Assessment and/or Grading Advocacy Plan
- Conclusion
Chapter 5. Advocating for Multilingual Learner Newcomer Students
- Introduction
- Who ML Newcomer Students and Their Families Are
- What the Research Tells Us
- Scaffolded Advocacy
- Intake, Enrollment, and Registration Considerations
- ML Newcomer Programming
- Supporting ML Newcomers’ Social and Emotional Needs and Mental Health
- Conclusion
Chapter 6. Advocating for Effective Multilingual Learner Family and School Partnerships
- Introduction
- Who Are ML Families?
- What the Research Tells Us
- Strategies for Developing Stronger Family-School Partnerships
- Conclusion
Chapter 7. Advocating for Multilingual Learners Through Professional Learning
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Professional Learning Options for Improving Instructional Practices for MLs
- Sample Professional Learning Framework
- Planning for Professional Learning
- Professional Learning Cycle Components
- ML Professional Learning Advocacy Audit
- Conclusion
Chapter 8. Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Access to Educational Opportunities
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Designing Effective Schedules for MLs
- Considerations for ML Program Types and Instructional Models
- Empowering School Counselors to Advocate for MLs
- Extracurriculars for MLs
- Advocating for MLs’ Access to and Support in Career and Technical Education Programs
- Conclusion
Chapter 9. Next Steps in Advocating for Multilingual Learners
- Building Your Team of Allies
- Collaboration Tools for Advocacy Discussions
- Conclusion
Image Sources
Image Sources
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://supported.com/advocate/Additional materials
Reviews
Advocating for Multilingual Learners
A Guide for Educators
June 2026 | 408 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 29/01/2026 | 9781071974797 | $43.95 |
| Lifetime | 11/08/2024 | 9781071974810 | $40.00 |
Equip yourself with the tools to champion equitable education for every multilingual learner
Multilingual learners (MLs) are our fastest-growing student population, yet they often lack a voice in their own education. Without intentional advocacy, systemic barriers stand in the way of their potential. Navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming, but this approachable guide can help build a shared sense of responsibility across your entire school or district. Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney C. Snyder explore how to foster effective instruction, fair assessments, and robust family partnerships, among other topics.
This essential resource provides:
- A five-step advocacy framework to confidently identify and address the pressing issues facing your MLs
- The ML Advocacy Audit and hands-on activities to guide collaborative professional learning
- Real-world stories from educators successfully advocating for their students
- Updated research and brand-new chapters on newcomer students, professional learning, and equitable programming
By actively disrupting inequities, you create a welcoming community where every child belongs. Discover how to advocate effectively so your students receive the joyful, empowering education they deserve.
Table Of Contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- About the Authors
- Introduction
- Why We Wrote the Second Edition and What’s New
- Chapter 1. Need for Advocacy for Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- Call for an Advocacy Perspective on Teaching MLs
- Who MLs Are
- Five Core Beliefs
- Defining Advocacy for MLs
- What the Research Tells Us
- The Five-Step Advocacy Process
- Conclusion
- Chapter 2. Advocating for a Shared Sense of Responsibility for Educating Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- A Shared Sense of Responsibility for ML Education and ML Advocacy
- The Role of Educators’ Culture, Experiences, and Mindsets
- Understanding and Building Relationships With ML Families
- Fostering a School Culture and Climate That Center MLs
- Professional Learning and Reflection
- Conclusion
- Chapter 3. Advocating for Effective Instruction of Multilingual Learners
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Collaborating to Implement Effective Instructional Practices
- Collaborating in Support of MLs’ Equitable and Excellent Instruction
- Scaffolded Unit Planning Tool
- Conclusion
- Chapter 4. Advocating for Multilingual Learners in Assessment
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Validity of Assessments for MLs
- Assessment of MLs for Special Education Identification
- Assessment of MLs for Gifted and Talented Programs
- ML Committees as an Avenue to Advocacy in Assessment
- ELP Assessment Advocacy Issues
- ML Progress Monitoring of MLs’ Language Development
- Tracking MLs’ Content Assessment Achievement After Exit as an Advocacy Tool
- Formative Assessment as an Advocacy Tool
- Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Assessment for Special Education Purposes
- Advocating for the Appropriate Assessment of Multilingual Learners for Inclusion in Gifted and Talented Programs
- Grading and Advocating for MLs
- Equitable Assessment and/or Grading Advocacy Plan
- Conclusion
- Chapter 5. Advocating for Multilingual Learner Newcomer Students
- Introduction
- Who ML Newcomer Students and Their Families Are
- What the Research Tells Us
- Scaffolded Advocacy
- Intake, Enrollment, and Registration Considerations
- ML Newcomer Programming
- Supporting ML Newcomers’ Social and Emotional Needs and Mental Health
- Conclusion
- Chapter 6. Advocating for Effective Multilingual Learner Family and School Partnerships
- Introduction
- Who Are ML Families?
- What the Research Tells Us
- Strategies for Developing Stronger Family-School Partnerships
- Conclusion
- Chapter 7. Advocating for Multilingual Learners Through Professional Learning
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Professional Learning Options for Improving Instructional Practices for MLs
- Sample Professional Learning Framework
- Planning for Professional Learning
- Professional Learning Cycle Components
- ML Professional Learning Advocacy Audit
- Conclusion
- Chapter 8. Advocating for Multilingual Learners’ Access to Educational Opportunities
- Introduction
- What the Research Tells Us
- Designing Effective Schedules for MLs
- Considerations for ML Program Types and Instructional Models
- Empowering School Counselors to Advocate for MLs
- Extracurriculars for MLs
- Advocating for MLs’ Access to and Support in Career and Technical Education Programs
- Conclusion
- Chapter 9. Next Steps in Advocating for Multilingual Learners
- Building Your Team of Allies
- Collaboration Tools for Advocacy Discussions
- Conclusion
- Image Sources
- References
- Index
Recent Product Reviews:
"Advocacy has always been integral to and ingrained in multilingual education. In this 2nd edition, Staehr Fenner and Snyder artfully illustrate how advocacy for multilingual learners extends across major facets of schooling- curriculum, instruction and assessment - and interest groups, fostering newcomer, family and community partnerships. We come away with a clear vision of how ongoing advocacy enables us to build and maintain a positive mindset and convince others of multilingual strengths. Outreach, articulated through the book’s vignettes, personal reflections and resources, all points to the increasingly essential role and responsibility of educators in supporting our students and how it is more important than ever to collectively continue our advocacy efforts on behalf of multilingual learners."
Margo Gottlieb, Ph.D., Co-founder, WIDA; Author and Consultant
"This second edition “Advocacy for Multilingual Learners” is especially needed at this time. The book shares practical , actionable, and impactful ways educators can advocate for excellent, equitable education for MLs within their sphere of influence."
Beth Skelton, Consultant at Educational Consultants, LLC
"Staehr Fenner and Snyder have provided a blueprint for future and current advocates across the field of multilingual learning, teaching, and leadership. By increasing knowledge, awareness, and application of advocacy efforts, readers will be better positioned to champion for the linguistically diverse communities they serve. This book is a much-needed call for action!"
Ayanna Cooper, Consultant at A1Cooper Consulting
"This book is exactly what educators need right now: a clear-eyed, actionable, and refreshingly human look at what it means to advocate for multilingual learners. Fenner and Snyder don’t just present strategies—they model the mindset and courage the work demands. As an administrator responsible for supporting more than 5,700 English learners, I am grateful for the way this work marries research, lived experience, and practical tools without ever losing its sense of hope. It’s a masterclass in how to lead systems that honor and elevate multilingual students and their families."
Samuel Klein, Supervisor of the Office of English Learners Supervisor at Arlington Public Schools
Kudos to Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney Snyder for continuing to lead in the field of TESOL! Their second edition of a critical resource, Advocating for Multilingual Learners, could not have come at a better time. It provides readers with a clear focus on how all educators can ensure that multilingual learners receive equitable and just educational opportunities. In line with the authors’ previous publications, this book offers much-needed practical tools that make their recommendations actionable!
Andrea Honigsfeld, Molloy University