Three Ways Districts Can Better Support English Learners

Three Ways Districts Can Better Support English Learners
New America Brief | Featuring SEAL
What does it take to truly transform a school district to better serve English Learner and multilingual students?
In its national brief, Three Ways to Transform a District to Support English Learner Students, New America outlines research-backed strategies that help districts move beyond compliance toward system-wide, asset-based change. The brief highlights SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) as a leading example of how districts can turn research into practice through sustained professional learning, instructional coherence, and a commitment to multilingualism as an asset.
The brief underscores key shifts that align closely with SEAL’s approach, including:
- Building language-rich, culturally sustaining classrooms
- Aligning leadership, instruction, and professional learning across systems
- Strengthening partnerships with families and communities
- Supporting educators to deliver rigorous, integrated instruction for English Learners
Districts implementing these strategies—through models like SEAL—are seeing stronger instructional practice, increased student engagement, and improved outcomes for multilingual learners.
📥 Ready to Learn More?
Click and read the New America brief highlighting national research on English Learners and learn how SEAL is recognized for advancing effective, scalable district transformation.
For district and system leaders seeking research-based, scalable solutions for multilingual learners.
Explore Related SEAL Resources
- SEAL blog stories featuring district leadership and instructional impact
- Case studies on system-wide transformation for multilingual learners
- Research and tools supporting language-rich instruction and family partnerships
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Our Resources
Looking for more ways to engage your students and create a joyful learning environment? We’ve curated the best resources—from SEAL-approved tools for Dual Language and Multilingual Learners to videos that bring you directly into our classrooms —to give your students the opportunity to learn, thrive, and lead.

SEAL Overview Impact Report
SEAL’s Overview Impact Report showcases our mission, reach, and lasting influence on multilingual learners. Explore our story, see our statewide impact, learn how our pedagogy centers English Learners, and discover key lessons from our work with schools and communities.
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Key Lessons from Over a Decade of Impact
When schools center language, culture, and community, English Learners don’t just succeed—they thrive. We’ve identified eight key lessons about what it truly takes to create schools where multilingual learners flourish. Download to read more about these key lessons.

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Our 11 High-Leverage Pedagogical Practices equip educators to create rigorous, joyful, and language-rich classrooms where every student succeeds. By integrating students’ linguistic and cultural assets, SEAL fosters a learning environment that values home languages and empowers diverse learners to reach their full potential.

SEAL 2024 Annual Report
SEAL’s 2024 Annual Report highlights a year of growth, impact, and advocacy for multilingual learners. Explore stories, data, and milestones that showcase how we’re advancing educational equity and building a brighter future for all students.