SEAL - Sobrato Early Academic Language

06/02/2026

Important conversation happening in California around literacy screening, early intervention, and multilingual learners.

We’re proud to see SEAL’s Head of Research & Evaluation, Dr. Martha Martinez, featured in this new EdSource article discussing concerns that literacy screenings administered too early may inaccurately identify multilingual learners who are still developing English proficiency and foundational literacy skills across languages.

As schools across the state continue this work, it’s critical that multilingual learners are supported through research-informed approaches that recognize their linguistic strengths and developmental pathways.

📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4fv7N6z

06/02/2026

Today is California Primary Election Day. 🗳️

If you haven't voted yet, there's still time.

Polls are open until 8:00 p.m.

05/29/2026

Teacher resource: Why affirming Black English matters in early childhood education.

Black English Language—also known as African American English (AAE) or African American Vernacular English (AAVE)—is a rich, rule-based language rooted in the histories and communities of Black children and families across the United States.

This practical 2-page knowledge brief explores why affirming Black English in early childhood settings matters for student learning, identity, and belonging.

Developed by the Black English Language Workgroup, the Knowledge Brief series supports educators, caregivers, administrators, and advocates in creating language-affirming learning environments.

Black ECE Californians Together Catalyst California Early Edge California

Read the brief: https://bit.ly/4ffZhYU

05/29/2026

Congratulations to our SEAL partner Leticia Trevino, Director of Early Childhood Education with Visalia Unified School District on being named ACSA Region 11’s 2026 Central Office Administrator of the Year! 🎉

We’re proud to partner with leaders helping strengthen early learning opportunities for students and families across California.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to young learners.

Congratulations to Leticia Treviño, Region XI's 2026 Central Office Administrator of the Year. Leticia was recognized at the region's Awards Ceremony, Thursday, May 14, at Hodel's in Bakersfield. She is the District Director for Early Childhood Education for the Visalia Unified School District. Leticia is a visionary educational leader whose purposeful leadership transformed Universal Transitional Kindergarten across the district into a cohesive, high-quality program that expands access, strengthens school readiness, and supports the developmental needs of all learners. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and data-driven decision making, she built both blended and non-blended UTK models that align with the district’s vision while fostering consistent, developmentally appropriate instruction across PK–3.

05/28/2026

Tuesday, June 2 is California’s Primary Election Day. 🗳️

It’s the last day to vote in person or return your ballot by 8:00 p.m.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by June 2.

05/20/2026

Teachers and early childhood educators: looking for resources to help create more language-affirming learning environments?

A new series from Black ECE, Californians Together, Catalyst California and Early Edge California explores the brilliance and importance of affirming Black English in early childhood education through Knowledge Briefs and webinars for educators, caregivers, administrators, and advocates.

These resources support asset-based approaches that honor students’ home languages and help create more equitable learning environments for multilingual learners.

Explore the series from Black ECE: https://bit.ly/4wMhCTN

05/20/2026

Businesses across Southern California are increasingly relying on bilingual and multilingual workers — but a new report from UNITE-LA shows there’s still more work to do to build and support that workforce.

One key recommendation from the report: expand bilingual education and biliteracy pathways in TK–12 schools, including programs that help address the shortage of bilingual educators like the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program (BTPDP).

SEAL’s free, state-funded BTPDP partnership with Azusa Unified School District is helping educators strengthen bilingual instruction and better support multilingual learners.

Read the full report from UNITE-LA: https://www.unitela.com/beyond_english_report

Interested in bringing this work to your district? Connect with SEAL to learn more.

05/20/2026

📚 Grants available for elementary educators!

Professional learning and classroom resources can make a meaningful difference for multilingual learners and the educators who support them every day.

If you’re eligible, this may be a great opportunity to explore. ⬇️

Applications for 2026 Read Conmigo Educator Grants are now being accepted!

Educators in public and charter elementary schools in select counties in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas can receive $3,000 for classroom resources and/or professional development.

Take advantage of this opportunity and apply today: https://ow.ly/9N2L50YSswO

05/14/2026

Your voice matters. 🗳️

MONDAY May 18 is the last day to register to vote for California’s primary election.

Check your voter registration status today: https://bit.ly/3xEzpPB

California Secretary of State

05/13/2026

Early childhood educators, advocates, and policymakers: this new blog series shares what families of young dual language learners across California are saying about access to bilingual programs and support for home language and culture.

This first blog, authored by our partner PIQE, unpacks findings from focus groups representing the diverse families and languages of California. They share that they lack access to the programs and materials they need to empower their children to thrive in two languages.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eFM5MH

Bay Area Council Californians Together Early Edge California Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC Multilingual Promise EdTrust-West UnidosUS