News & Perspectives

Pathways to Progress

3. January 2025

In the recent white paper “Pathways to Progress: Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities”, PCG’s Jacob Klett highlights strategies for equitable education for multilingual learners. Multilingual learners, students whose home language is not English, are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. public school population, totaling 5.6 million as of 2021. These students face unique challenges, requiring schools to meet their diverse needs.

Some key challenges include balancing regulatory compliance with best practices and crafting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that integrate linguistic and cultural considerations. Data shows these students are often placed in segregated settings, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches.

It is necessary to create district guidelines, enhance cross-disciplinary professional development, and use language data to develop culturally relevant IEPs. Engaging with students and their families through interpreters and translated documents is crucial.

By collaborating with PCG, districts can establish clear procedures, deliver targeted professional development, and effectively engage families. PCG’s holistic solutions empower educators and ensure meaningful outcomes for every learner.

Click here to read and download the paper.