“A Cord of Three Strands is not Easily Broken”: Aligning Language Instruction for Multilingual Learners: Integrating ESOL, Bilingual Education, and Translanguaging Practices

Title
“A Cord of Three Strands is not Easily Broken”: Aligning Language Instruction for Multilingual Learners: Integrating ESOL, Bilingual Education, and Translanguaging Practices
Creator
Cesar Abel Rangel Montenegro
Degree Name
Master of Science in Education
Project Type
professional_project
Date
6/13/2026
Abstract
This professional project explores how language instruction for multilingual learners can be more intentionally aligned through the integration of ESOL, bilingual education, dual language programming, and translanguaging practices. Grounded in research on second language acquisition, academic language development, and cross-linguistic transfer, the project addresses the need for greater coherence across language support systems. A review of the literature identified three major themes: academic language development is a long-term process, students’ first languages serve as valuable academic assets, and program coherence is essential for multilingual learner success. In response, the project developed the Language Instruction Alignment Tool, a seven-step teacher decision-making framework designed to connect language development with content learning. The tool includes planning templates, translanguaging strategies, structured discussion supports, and reflection resources that help educators make intentional instructional decisions. Ultimately, the project aims to support multilingual learners by promoting more equitable, research-informed, and coherent language instruction across educational settings.
Keywords
Translanguaging
ESOL
Language Instruction
Committee Member
Gregory Zobel
Jessica Dougherty
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 07/27/2026, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Language
eng
Type
text
Image;StillImage