Arthur Middleton Elementary leads Maryland's biliteracy initiative with community support

The Maryland State Board of Education convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in biliteracy education, particularly highlighting the efforts at Arthur Middleton Elementary School. This school is now part of a growing network across Maryland dedicated to enhancing multilingual education, which is increasingly recognized for its benefits in fostering academic success among students.

During the meeting, Dr. Navarro emphasized the importance of understanding the intricacies of teaching reading in both English and Spanish, the primary languages in many Maryland schools. He noted that educators at Arthur Middleton have invested considerable time in professional development to master the science of reading, which is crucial for effectively teaching students in dual language settings. This dual focus not only aids in literacy but also enriches the overall learning experience by allowing students to navigate and distinguish between languages.

To support these initiatives, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has established a monthly work group tasked with developing recommendations for program implementation statewide. This group aims to create resources that will assist schools in delivering high-quality biliteracy instruction. The Fostering Diverse Schools grant was also highlighted as a vital resource for enhancing the biliteracy framework across all grades in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), which will provide additional coaching for staff to implement effective instructional models.

The meeting also revealed a strong community interest in expanding dual language programs. Dr. Navarro shared that there have been numerous requests from parents for more options, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of maintaining a child's first language while learning a second. This interest spans across both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, indicating a collective desire for inclusive educational opportunities.

As the meeting concluded for a brief break, the discussions underscored a commitment to advancing biliteracy education in Maryland, with a focus on collaboration among educators, parents, and community stakeholders. The anticipated outcomes from the work group and the ongoing support from grants signal a proactive approach to enhancing educational practices that benefit all students in the state.