Languages for Relating: Piloting an Innovative Learning Framework in Multilingual Classrooms

The L4R Project is a Spencer-funded research study motivated by the urgent need to transform how languages are understood and used for learning in multilingual classrooms to achieve [equity and excellence] EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY for all. L4R is an innovative, theoretically rooted, and practice-informed framework that guides teachers’ and researchers’ collaborative work to design and reflect upon practices that intentionally use languages to foster relationships, promote a sense of belonging, and scaffold meaningful and robust learning. Educators from a linguistically diverse school district in THE Greater Boston AREA are participating in a year-long professional learning community to integrate students’ voices, teachers’ expertise, and research evidence to collectively design and refine innovative instructional practices that content-area teachers will try out flexibly with their students, as part of their regular teaching, in grades 4 to 8. Results from this collaborative study will provide initial evidence for reconceptualizing languages and language practices through rigorous research that listens and responds to participants’ voices to inform educational transformation.

"The research reported in the (book, article, or monograph) was made possible by a grant from the Spencer Foundation (#202400054). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Spencer Foundation."