The Multiliterate Mind

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 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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

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 Edutopia – https://www.edutopia.org Common Sense Media – https://www.commonsense.org   Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

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 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines – https://www.actfl.org Seal of Biliteracy – 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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

We unpack what “multiliteracies” really means today: literacy as more than reading and writing, and instead a collection of social practices that help learners interpret and create meaning across modes like print, visuals, sound, gesture, space, and digital media. We talk about how teachers can lower barriers for learners by using multimodal texts like picture books, graphic novels, and storytelling practices that combine images, tone, expression, and guided questioning to support comprehension, confidence, and engagement. Dr. Reyes-Torres shares how he prepares preservice teachers to design learning sequences around picture books during teaching internships in diverse contexts, including multilingual urban classrooms and rural classrooms where multiple ages may learn together. We emphasize valuing students’ full linguistic repertoires, including heritage languages and dialect variation, as assets for meaning making. We also discuss AI as a tool that is already reshaping literacy education. Rather than pretending AI is not present, we explore using it ethically as a thinking partner to co-design learning pathways, personalize stories that reflect student identities, and deepen reflection through transparent prompting and documentation. We close with a powerful takeaway: literacy enables thinking, and thinking enables learning. If we want learners to transform knowledge rather than repeat it, multiliteracies must be at the center of language education.   Lit(T)erart, the research group: http://www.literart-researchgroup.com/ University of Valencia – https://www.uv.es/ Harvard Educational Review – https://hepg.org/her-home/ Middlebury Language Schools – https://www.middlebury.edu/language-schools/ University of Iowa – https://uiowa.edu/ Find Dr. Reyes-Torres on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/agustín-reyes-torres Dr. Reyes-Torres Book 📖  https://www.routledge.com/Multiliteracies-Multimodality-and-Learning-by-Design-in-Second-Language-Learning-and-Teacher-Education/Reyes-Torres-Brisk-Lacorte/p/book/9781032617008 00:00 Welcome + guest intro 01:31 Teaching journey and why it matters 04:24 Reader-text interaction and meaning making 07:22 Literacy as the foundation 10:48 Making literature accessible in L2 classrooms 12:44 Picture books, visual literacy, and teacher training 15:51 Multimodality beyond text and images 18:31 Multilingual classrooms and honoring repertoires 21:08 AI, ethics, and reflection-based learning 26:12 What multiliteracies means today 30:40 Digital literacy and student realities 41:48 Representation before communication 43:29 Final message for educators Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

Ryan shares how he first hears about FILL through teacher conferences and immediately recognizes its potential for expanding language access. In his rural Delaware district, students traditionally only have Spanish, but they consistently ask for more options. When he connects with Tom in 2023, the combination of proficiency-based learning and emerging AI tools clicks into place, shaping both his classroom practice and his doctoral research.Tom explains that FILL grows out of dissatisfaction with traditional language instruction and the rigid course structures that often fail learners. He describes how the model is built around learning rather than seat time, empowering students to choose any language they want and earn credit based on demonstrated proficiency. We discuss how this solves major administrative challenges, including scheduling conflicts, declining enrollment in upper-level language courses, and teacher shortages. With FILL, the facilitator supports learners at any level without being tied to specific courses like “German 3” or “French 2.”Ryan walks us through what FILL looks like in practice. Learners select weekly focal topics, set can-do proficiency goals, and use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate personalized activity plans. They choose how to learn, track evidence of progress, and reflect weekly. We highlight that this approach teaches far more than language. It builds goal-setting, prompting skills, self-directed learning, and accountability.We also address challenges. Ryan notes early growing pains, including over-reliance on Duolingo and the balance between structure and flexibility. Through iteration, the model evolves to include structured weekly routines while preserving learner autonomy.Finally, we reflect on what gives us hope. We see higher retention beyond graduation requirements, increased motivation, expanded opportunities for heritage learners, and the possibility of truly learner-centered multilingual education. FILL shows us that AI does not replace educators. Instead, it amplifies what skilled facilitators can make possible when learning is built around the learner. 00:00 Welcome + introducing FILL00:40 Meet Dr. Ryan Allen and Tom Welch02:10 Ryan’s path to FILL and language access04:45 Tom’s educator journey and dissatisfaction with traditional courses07:40 What FILL is and why it matters08:30 Administrative problems FILL solves (singletons, scheduling)12:10 Teacher shortages and shrinking language programs13:10 How FILL works day-to-day15:30 Weekly goal sheets + can-do statements20:40 Minecraft example and learner-driven topics23:30 AI tools and prompting for learning plans31:10 Asset-based assessment and mistake-making34:00 Challenges: Duolingo dependence and balance of structure37:20 Building routines: writing workshops + unplugged Thursdays41:40 Results: earning graduation credit in one semester43:40 ASL learner transformation story46:50 Hope for the future of language learning49:00 Plurilingual possibilities and structural change50:30 Closing + neural network invitation Welcome + what is FILLMeet Ryan Allen and Tom WelchWhy traditional language courses fall shortHow FILL expands language accessProficiency-based credit vs seat timeWeekly learner goal setting with AIMinecraft and learner-centered topicsAsset-based assessment and confidenceChallenges and refining the approachStudent outcomes and success storiesThe future of multiliteracy and plurilingualismWrap-up and resources Dr. Ryan Allen is a high school teacher and researcher focused on how artificial intelligence can personalize language learning for adolescents. Through his work with Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL), he empowers students to choose any language they wish to study and earn graduation credit based on demonstrated proficiency rather than seat time. Tom Welch is a lifelong educator and innovator who has spent his career pushing the boundaries of traditional schooling. A former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and high school principal, Tom is known for his bold, learner-centered leadership. These days, Tom focuses on Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL) and asset-based assessment, helping educators like Ryan personalize learning around student strengths and proficiency. A longtime leader in the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, he champions a shift from schooling to true learning—powered by trust, technology, and learner agency. He also helps facilitate a weekly "Neural Network" Zoom gathering on Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM CT. Feel free to contact him for an invitation at Tom Welch: [email protected]. Ryan Allen: [email protected] Links Mentioned in this episode:Avant Assessment – https://www.avantassessment.comSTAMP Language Proficiency Test – https://www.avantassessment.com/stampDr Allen's Blog Post  https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/how-the-avant-stamp-test-made-facilitated-interdependent-language-learning-fillAI prompt templates for teachers and learners:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bHUcHKVApDDhsuQ0btn9PT1QcS4UlQ58iy8aWQc2V3Q/editIdeas and prompts for writing, listening, and speaking practice:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1flqv2_mcqA5EKKJy2D37wu3NBVgsrLQPEKTRgriMlWw/editOverview of how we leverage various AI tools and platforms:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AOWLFslHLWqFGKXpTB3_FnzGF6ghybnm7FGXFsXt--w/editNatural Readers (text-to-speech) – https://www.naturalreaders.comNotebookLM (Google AI learning tool) – https://notebooklm.googleDuolingo – https://www.duolingo.comPerplexity AI – https://www.perplexity.aiNational Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL) – https://www.ncssfl.org https://www.avantassessment.com/blog/how-the-avant-stamp-test-made-facilitated-interdependent-language-learning-fill  Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

We welcome David Bong, CEO and Co-Founder of Avant Language, and we celebrate Avant’s 25th anniversary with a toast. We begin with David’s personal language journey. He shares that language did not feel relevant in high school, but college changes everything when he becomes fascinated with Japan during the Vietnam War era. Living in Japan for roughly a decade and spending time in Hong Kong, he experiences the moment language “clicks” on a Tokyo commute, when a simple conversation opens an entirely new world.We connect that lived experience to why Avant exists. David explains how language and cultural misunderstandings in Japan can escalate into real workplace problems, including conflict, mistrust, and serious organizational fallout. Those patterns, combined with Sheila’s experience negotiating across cultures, push them to “change the way language is learned and taught.” In Eugene, Oregon, they partner with Dr. Carl Falsgraf, whose online proficiency assessment brings standards to life at scale. Together, we launch Avant on January 8, 2001, centered on the idea that proficiency is about what learners can actually do with language across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.From there, we move into the present moment: AI is reshaping communication, learning, and assessment. We challenge the assumption that translation tools will eliminate the need for human language learning, and we spotlight what AI still struggles to capture, especially culture, register, hierarchy, and what sits “inside” the words. We explore how writing changes when people routinely draft with AI, and we distinguish between assessing someone’s independent writing ability and assessing their ability to collaborate with AI while preserving voice and intent. We introduce the idea that teaching writing without AI remains essential, not as rejection, but as a foundation that makes AI use more effective and more authentic.Finally, we look ahead. We discuss how AI can merge assessment and learning through continuous, low-stress, data-rich practice, giving teachers better insight and more targeted support. We close with a simple call: language learning matters because it builds communication, cultural perspective, empathy, humility, and the human skills we keep saying we want. 00:00 Welcome to The Multiliterate Mind00:31 Meet David Bong + Avant’s 25th anniversary toast01:47 Why language did not connect in high school02:17 Fascination with Japan and moving to Asia02:59 The “first real conversation” moment in Japanese03:54 How language misunderstanding drives real workplace risk05:14 Why David and Sheila want to change language education06:30 Building STAMP and launching Avant (Jan 8, 2001)08:49 Proficiency: what we can actually do with language10:32 AI, translation, and what culture adds beyond words11:49 Writing in the AI era and what assessment should measure16:24 Keeping voice and reducing “AI dialect”21:04 What stays fundamental without AI22:18 Merging assessment and learning with AI feedback31:29 Making the case for language as a core subject39:17 One takeaway: travel where you do not speak the language39:37 Closing and call to action Welcome + show missionMeet David + Avant at 25David’s language origin storyLanguage and culture at workWhy Avant startedWhat proficiency really meansAI changes writing and assessmentVoice, “AI dialect,” and authenticityMerging learning + assessmentWhy language belongs in core educationFinal takeaway + wrap Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

Marnina Falk Colman and Dr. Liza Trejo explore the evolving definition of literacy in a world influenced by AI and global communication. They introduce the Proficiency First Multiliteracies framework, emphasizing the importance of proficiency in language education. Be sure to follow and tag Avant, The Language Proficiency Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!