The Multiliterate Mind

Leading a Program Toward Proficiency with Dawn Samples

This episode also dives into multiliteracies, authentic resources, literacy development, student engagement, teacher mindset shifts, and the role educational systems play in slowing meaningful change. Whether you are a language teacher, school leader, multilingual educator, or someone passionate about literacy and communication, this conversation offers practical insight and powerful perspective on what students truly need to succeed in an AI-driven and globally connected world. If you care about language proficiency, literacy instruction, multilingual learners, world language education, second language acquisition, or authentic learning practices, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Dawn Samples is the Lead for Instruction at Lingco, where she supports schools and districts in implementing proficiency-driven world language programs grounded in ACTFL standards. At Lingco, she helps design curriculum, professional learning, and AI-supported tools that empower teachers to move from theory to practice—creating engaging, performance-based learning experiences that build real-world language proficiency. Lingco is a comprehensive world language curriculum and primary resource provider and platform that combines authentic resources, integrated performance assessments, and instructional supports to help teachers focus on what learners can do with the language. Visit them at lingco.io [http://lingco.io/]! Contact Dawn for more information at dawn@lingco.io [dawn@lingco.io], or on social media (lingco) Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LingcoLabs],(Dawn) linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsamples], (Lingco) instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lingcolabs].      Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AvantAssessment], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/avantassessment/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avant-assessment], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@avantassessment]!

Using AI with PBL in the language classroom with Dr. Rolla Elsaiary

Dr. Elsaiary shares insights from her work in Arabic immersion education, emphasizing the role of culture, identity, and project-based learning in developing true language proficiency. The episode also examines how AI tools like ChatGPT can support learning as thought partners, while reinforcing the need for students to ask better questions and think independently. Rolla Elsaiary is an Assistant Principal, instructional leader, and researcher specializing in Arabic language education. She focuses on project-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and innovative, technology-enhanced instruction to empower 21st-century learners. Through her work, she supports teachers in designing engaging, student-centered classrooms that promote language proficiency and critical thinking. This conversation is essential for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in multilingual education, digital literacy, and the future of learning. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolla-elsaiary-45b27321?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolla-elsaiary-45b27321?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios] Intro & Guest Background Language as Thinking Project-Based Learning Real-World Application AI in Education Multiliteracies Closing Thoughts     Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AvantAssessment], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/avantassessment/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avant-assessment], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@avantassessment]!

Introducing the PFM Framework with Dr. Liza Trejo and Marnina Falk-Colman

In this episode of The Multiliterate Mind, Dr. Liza Trejo and Marnina Falk Colman explore language proficiency, multiliteracy, and literacy development in modern education. They introduce the concept of proficiency-first multiliteracies, a framework designed to help educators better understand how students acquire language and develop reading and writing skills across multiple languages. The discussion highlights key challenges in today’s education system, including teaching multilingual learners in largely monolingual environments, balancing content and language instruction, and adapting to the rise of AI and digital communication. Listeners will gain insights into language acquisition, bilingual education, and the importance of teaching communication skills that extend beyond traditional literacy. This episode is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in multilingualism, digital literacy, and the future of education.   Intro & Podcast Background Language & Education Journeys Challenges in Education Systems Proficiency & Multiliteracy Explained Modern Communication & AI Closing Thoughts Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AvantAssessment], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/avantassessment/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avant-assessment], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@avantassessment]!

Literacy Across Languages with Paul Spence and Jonathan White

In this episode of The Multiliterate Mind, hosts explore the future of language learning with guests Paul Spence and Jonathan White, focusing on multiliteracy, language proficiency, and the impact of AI in education. This conversation dives into how language education is shifting beyond traditional methods toward real-world application, cultural literacy, and digital engagement. Topics include multilingual learners, student engagement strategies, the role of technology in the classroom, and why language skills are becoming more critical in a global economy. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or education professional, this episode provides actionable insights into modern language instruction, multiliteracies, and preparing students for the future of communication. Intro & Guest Background Language as Access Real-World Language Application Multiliteracies & Engagement Cultural Literacy AI & Language Learning Closing Thoughts   * ACTFL – https://www.actfl.org [https://www.actfl.org/] * Edutopia – https://www.edutopia.org [https://www.edutopia.org/] * Common Sense Media – https://www.commonsense.org [https://www.commonsense.org/]   Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AvantAssessment], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/avantassessment/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avant-assessment], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@avantassessment]!

The Language Teacher's Superpower with Dr. Maylén R.R. Sullivan

Dr. Sullivan begins by reflecting on her own language acquisition story. After moving from Cuba to the United States as a child, she learned English not through memorization drills but through immersion in stories, television, and authentic language input. That experience eventually became the foundation of her teaching philosophy. Instead of focusing solely on grammar-based instruction, she emphasizes language acquisition through meaningful communication, authentic materials, and real-world interaction with language. Throughout the conversation, we examine the shift from traditional grammar-focused instruction to proficiency-based learning. Dr. Sullivan explains how she realized early in her teaching career that many students could pass written assessments but were unable to actually communicate in the language. This realization led her to redesign her instruction to prioritize comprehension, authentic communication, and meaningful language use. A major part of this work involves formative assessment strategies that empower students rather than discourage them. Dr. Sullivan discusses how she developed “proficiency checks,” simplified assessments modeled after the STAMP test, that allow students to demonstrate what they can do with language in speaking and writing. These checkpoints help both teachers and students understand language growth over time and provide clear goals for improvement. The conversation also highlights the importance of literacy in language development. Dr. Sullivan explains that strong literacy skills in a student’s first language significantly accelerate second-language learning. This insight reinforces the importance of supporting and preserving students’ home languages rather than replacing them. When educators nurture multilingual literacy, they expand access, opportunity, and cultural understanding. We also explore how modern digital tools and media can support language acquisition. From streaming shows in different languages to using subtitles and multimodal content, today’s learners have more opportunities than ever to engage with authentic language input. Ultimately, this episode underscores a powerful message about education and human potential. Language learning is not about reaching a final destination. As Dr. Sullivan reminds us, even achievements like the Seal of Biliteracy are not the end of the journey. They are simply the beginning of a lifelong path toward deeper communication, cultural understanding, and global connection. Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.com [https://www.avantassessment.com/] ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines – https://www.actfl.org [https://www.actfl.org/] Seal of Biliteracy – https://sealofbiliteracy.org [https://sealofbiliteracy.org/] 00:00 Podcast intro and setup 03:13 Meet Dr. Maylén R.R. Sullivan 05:07 Learning English after immigrating from Cuba 07:59 Peace Corps and global language experiences 10:32 Moving from grammar drills to language acquisition 16:14 How proficiency-based assessments work 18:46 Creating proficiency checks for students 25:07 The purpose of the Seal of Biliteracy 29:05 Why literacy supports language learning 34:04 Supporting multilingual learners in schools 36:58 Technology and media in language instruction 38:29 Leading professional development for teachers 46:09 Final reflections on learning without limits       Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AvantAssessment], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/avantassessment/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/avant-assessment], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@avantassessment]!