Bridging Languages in Special Education: Linguistic Connections for Bilingual Learners Using the Biliteracy Framework

This session will explore how to implement linguistic bridges in a dual language education classroom, with a focus on supporting the language development of diverse bilingual learners through the Teaching for Biliteracy framework developed by Karen Beeman and Cheryl Urow. Led by teacher-author Milagros Otero and dual language teacher Mayralejandra Salazar, this workshop highlights how Spanish-language texts can be leveraged to strengthen language development, literacy, and cross-linguistic transfer for students with learning differences. Participants will engage with a structured biliteracy unit adapted for diverse learners, explore specific bridging strategies, and leave with practical tools to support emergent bilingual students receiving special education services. Language: Spanish Grade Levels: K–2, 3–5