Just Thinking… About How Multilingualism and Language Development Belong at the Center of Student Learning

For millions of students in America, learning English is only one part of a much larger academic story. A 2024 GAO report found that English learners in U.S. public schools grew from 4.5 million to 5 million students between fall 2010 and fall 2020, and that they speak more than 400 languages. That diversity raises a central question for schools: whether language development is treated as remediation, or whether multilingualism is recognized as an academic strength.So how can schools move beyond seeing language difference as a barrier, and instead build systems that help multilingual learners show what they know, grow in confidence and thrive across content areas?Welcome to Just Thinking. In the latest episode, host Kevin Dougherty speaks with JW Marshall, VP of Marketing at Summit K12, about language development, multilingual education, science learning, student confidence and the power of storytelling in schools. Their conversation explores the move from deficit-based thinking to asset-based instruction, the role of home language in academic growth, and why language development must be connected to rigorous learning rather than separated from it.Top insights from the talk…Multilingualism should be treated as a strength, not a problem to fix. Marshall argues that students’ home languages can support English development and deeper thinking, rather than interfering with it.Language development and content learning belong together. The discussion highlights science as an example: students can demonstrate curiosity, reasoning and understanding through experiments, visuals, gestures and collaboration while acquiring the academic vocabulary to explain what they know.Storytelling builds confidence and connection. Marshall encourages schools, districts and classrooms to use podcasts and audio storytelling as ways for students—especially multilingual learners—to practice language, listen actively and tell their own stories.JW Marshall is an EdTech marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading marketing strategy, sales enablement, product launches and customer storytelling for K-12 education technology companies. As VP of Marketing at Summit K12, he oversees strategic marketing initiatives for online curriculum and instruction, with a focus on multilingual learners and science education. He also hosts the Voices of E-Learning podcast, where he connects with EdTech leaders and shares insights on online learning, education innovation and professional growth.