Understanding Biliteracy Trajectories: A Holistic Framework for Dual Language Growth

Biliteracy trajectories offer educators a way to understand literacy development in Spanish and English as interconnected systems, rather than two parallel monolingual paths. Large‑scale research with more than 13,000 dual language students demonstrates that there is no single bilingual trajectory, and that each language contributes differently to literacy development because of its unique linguistic structure. The study also confirms that biliteracy development takes time, with students in dual language programs acquiring literacy skills in their home language at a modestly higher rate than monolingual peers, while gradually strengthening their second language over multiple years. This session introduces biliteracy trajectories as an asset‑based, bilingual interpretive framework, helping educators analyze data more accurately, avoid misinterpretation, and design instruction that leverages the full linguistic repertoire of multilingual learners. Grade Levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8