Servando Ortega
@servandortega.bsky.social
Transforming Schools Through Systems, Equity & Accountability | District Education Leader | Multilingual Learner Advocate | Data-Driven Culture Builder
🌟 Sentence Expansion = Big Impact for EB Students 🌟
A simple strategy from Colorín Colorado reminds us:
• Start with a short sentence
• Ask who/what/when/where/why/how to add details
• Model → practice → release
A simple strategy from Colorín Colorado reminds us:
• Start with a short sentence
• Ask who/what/when/where/why/how to add details
• Model → practice → release
November 26, 2025 at 2:41 AM
🌟 Sentence Expansion = Big Impact for EB Students 🌟
A simple strategy from Colorín Colorado reminds us:
• Start with a short sentence
• Ask who/what/when/where/why/how to add details
• Model → practice → release
A simple strategy from Colorín Colorado reminds us:
• Start with a short sentence
• Ask who/what/when/where/why/how to add details
• Model → practice → release
Unlocking emergent bilinguals’ background knowledge can transform everyday lessons into opportunities for powerful engagement and deeper, relevant learning —are you leveraging this asset in your classroom?
www.colorincolorado.org/teaching-ell...
www.colorincolorado.org/teaching-ell...
Building Background Knowledge
Strategy OverviewBackground knowledge plays a huge role in content-area instruction.
www.colorincolorado.org
October 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Unlocking emergent bilinguals’ background knowledge can transform everyday lessons into opportunities for powerful engagement and deeper, relevant learning —are you leveraging this asset in your classroom?
www.colorincolorado.org/teaching-ell...
www.colorincolorado.org/teaching-ell...
Quick, powerful, inclusive.
Comprehension checks give multilingual learners a safe way to show understanding and boost confidence. 🌟
💭 How do you check for understanding & build confidence?
🔗 Reflection: bit.ly/comprehensio...
#EdLeadership #LanguageDevelopment #EquityInEducation
bit.ly/4muhx1d
Comprehension checks give multilingual learners a safe way to show understanding and boost confidence. 🌟
💭 How do you check for understanding & build confidence?
🔗 Reflection: bit.ly/comprehensio...
#EdLeadership #LanguageDevelopment #EquityInEducation
bit.ly/4muhx1d
Comprehension Checks
Strategy OverviewHow This Strategy Supports Students' Language DevelopmentIt's helpful to keep track of how well students understand new content along the way, rather than waiting to get that feedback...
www.colorincolorado.org
August 23, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Quick, powerful, inclusive.
Comprehension checks give multilingual learners a safe way to show understanding and boost confidence. 🌟
💭 How do you check for understanding & build confidence?
🔗 Reflection: bit.ly/comprehensio...
#EdLeadership #LanguageDevelopment #EquityInEducation
bit.ly/4muhx1d
Comprehension checks give multilingual learners a safe way to show understanding and boost confidence. 🌟
💭 How do you check for understanding & build confidence?
🔗 Reflection: bit.ly/comprehensio...
#EdLeadership #LanguageDevelopment #EquityInEducation
bit.ly/4muhx1d
📘 New brief from UCLA, ASU & PSU: Dual Language Immersion can expand opportunity—but only with intentional access.
Key fixes:
✅ Transportation
✅ Multilingual outreach
✅ Weighted lotteries
✅ Culturally sustaining teaching
🔗 bit.ly/40MjBcp
#DualLanguage #Bilingual
Key fixes:
✅ Transportation
✅ Multilingual outreach
✅ Weighted lotteries
✅ Culturally sustaining teaching
🔗 bit.ly/40MjBcp
#DualLanguage #Bilingual
bit.ly
August 1, 2025 at 2:23 PM
📘 New brief from UCLA, ASU & PSU: Dual Language Immersion can expand opportunity—but only with intentional access.
Key fixes:
✅ Transportation
✅ Multilingual outreach
✅ Weighted lotteries
✅ Culturally sustaining teaching
🔗 bit.ly/40MjBcp
#DualLanguage #Bilingual
Key fixes:
✅ Transportation
✅ Multilingual outreach
✅ Weighted lotteries
✅ Culturally sustaining teaching
🔗 bit.ly/40MjBcp
#DualLanguage #Bilingual
🧠 Do multilingual learners struggle with higher-order thinking?
Not at all. They often just lack access to the language needed to show what they know.
Stop lowering the bar. Start scaffolding access. 🔑
Great read by @SeidlitzEd 👇
🔗 www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-h...
Not at all. They often just lack access to the language needed to show what they know.
Stop lowering the bar. Start scaffolding access. 🔑
Great read by @SeidlitzEd 👇
🔗 www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-h...
When the Honeymoon Glow Wears Off
This article was published on the Seidlitz blog in February 2022. View the original here.
www.linkedin.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:47 PM
🧠 Do multilingual learners struggle with higher-order thinking?
Not at all. They often just lack access to the language needed to show what they know.
Stop lowering the bar. Start scaffolding access. 🔑
Great read by @SeidlitzEd 👇
🔗 www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-h...
Not at all. They often just lack access to the language needed to show what they know.
Stop lowering the bar. Start scaffolding access. 🔑
Great read by @SeidlitzEd 👇
🔗 www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-h...
To truly serve English learners, curriculum is just the beginning.
✅ Inclusive materials
✅ PD on language + content
✅ Leaders asking, “Is it working?”
Multilingual learners can thrive.
#ELL #EdLeadership
bit.ly/3TCcb7A
✅ Inclusive materials
✅ PD on language + content
✅ Leaders asking, “Is it working?”
Multilingual learners can thrive.
#ELL #EdLeadership
bit.ly/3TCcb7A
To Truly Serve English Learners, Start With Curriculum — and Don’t Stop There
Infante-Green: Rhode Island makes sure multilingual students have rigorous, high-quality instructional materials & that teachers know how to use them.
bit.ly
July 12, 2025 at 1:46 AM
To truly serve English learners, curriculum is just the beginning.
✅ Inclusive materials
✅ PD on language + content
✅ Leaders asking, “Is it working?”
Multilingual learners can thrive.
#ELL #EdLeadership
bit.ly/3TCcb7A
✅ Inclusive materials
✅ PD on language + content
✅ Leaders asking, “Is it working?”
Multilingual learners can thrive.
#ELL #EdLeadership
bit.ly/3TCcb7A
77% of ELs scored below basic in math 📉—yet bilingualism builds 🧠 mental flexibility, a math superpower 💥
Let’s teach math 🧮 + language 🗣️ together to unlock multilingual learners’ full potential.
How is your district leveraging this strength?
bit.ly/3UbIGtf
Let’s teach math 🧮 + language 🗣️ together to unlock multilingual learners’ full potential.
How is your district leveraging this strength?
bit.ly/3UbIGtf
How Language Development Can Boost English Learners' Math Skills
A New York City math and science teacher works to leverage his English-learners' strengths.
bit.ly
July 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
77% of ELs scored below basic in math 📉—yet bilingualism builds 🧠 mental flexibility, a math superpower 💥
Let’s teach math 🧮 + language 🗣️ together to unlock multilingual learners’ full potential.
How is your district leveraging this strength?
bit.ly/3UbIGtf
Let’s teach math 🧮 + language 🗣️ together to unlock multilingual learners’ full potential.
How is your district leveraging this strength?
bit.ly/3UbIGtf
Language grows through deep math exploration—not just before it!
Key points:
- Math & language develop together
- Multiple ways to communicate (talk, write, visuals)
- Growth is visible over time
Let’s create classrooms where both flourish!
bit.ly/4l0bEs1
Key points:
- Math & language develop together
- Multiple ways to communicate (talk, write, visuals)
- Growth is visible over time
Let’s create classrooms where both flourish!
bit.ly/4l0bEs1
bit.ly
June 29, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Language grows through deep math exploration—not just before it!
Key points:
- Math & language develop together
- Multiple ways to communicate (talk, write, visuals)
- Growth is visible over time
Let’s create classrooms where both flourish!
bit.ly/4l0bEs1
Key points:
- Math & language develop together
- Multiple ways to communicate (talk, write, visuals)
- Growth is visible over time
Let’s create classrooms where both flourish!
bit.ly/4l0bEs1
💡 Pair ChatGPT with tools like Canva, Google Slides, or Word to boost engagement, spark creativity & save time in the classroom.
Smart tips from Dr. Med Kharbach 👇
linkedin.com/posts/mkharbac…#AIinEducationo#EdTechc#ChatGPTPT
Smart tips from Dr. Med Kharbach 👇
linkedin.com/posts/mkharbac…#AIinEducationo#EdTechc#ChatGPTPT
https://linkedin.com/posts/mkharbac…
June 28, 2025 at 5:43 PM
💡 Pair ChatGPT with tools like Canva, Google Slides, or Word to boost engagement, spark creativity & save time in the classroom.
Smart tips from Dr. Med Kharbach 👇
linkedin.com/posts/mkharbac…#AIinEducationo#EdTechc#ChatGPTPT
Smart tips from Dr. Med Kharbach 👇
linkedin.com/posts/mkharbac…#AIinEducationo#EdTechc#ChatGPTPT
The words we use shape school culture. 🧠
ASCD shares 4 powerful language shifts:
🔁 Blame → Learning
🔁 You → We
🔁 Defensiveness → Curiosity
🔁 Compliance → Purpose
Which shift would move your team forward?
🔗 ascd.org/blogs/4-lang...
#edleadership #schoolculture
ASCD shares 4 powerful language shifts:
🔁 Blame → Learning
🔁 You → We
🔁 Defensiveness → Curiosity
🔁 Compliance → Purpose
Which shift would move your team forward?
🔗 ascd.org/blogs/4-lang...
#edleadership #schoolculture
4 Language Shifts That Support a Culture of Continuous Improvement
When educators shift how they talk about challenges, they make room for meaningful reflection, collaboration, and growth.
ascd.org
June 23, 2025 at 1:43 AM
The words we use shape school culture. 🧠
ASCD shares 4 powerful language shifts:
🔁 Blame → Learning
🔁 You → We
🔁 Defensiveness → Curiosity
🔁 Compliance → Purpose
Which shift would move your team forward?
🔗 ascd.org/blogs/4-lang...
#edleadership #schoolculture
ASCD shares 4 powerful language shifts:
🔁 Blame → Learning
🔁 You → We
🔁 Defensiveness → Curiosity
🔁 Compliance → Purpose
Which shift would move your team forward?
🔗 ascd.org/blogs/4-lang...
#edleadership #schoolculture
What if we stopped treating TELPAS as just another test and started using it as a year-round instructional tool?
Game-changer: Use Proficiency Level Descriptors as your teaching roadmap, not just scoring rubrics.
www.bilingualeducationconsultants.com/post/from-co...
Game-changer: Use Proficiency Level Descriptors as your teaching roadmap, not just scoring rubrics.
www.bilingualeducationconsultants.com/post/from-co...
From Compliance to Impact: Reframing TELPAS as an Instructional Tool
If you’re a Texas educator, TELPAS—the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System—is likely always on your radar. Designed to assess English learners in listening, speaking, reading, and wri...
www.bilingualeducationconsultants.com
June 7, 2025 at 2:28 AM
What if we stopped treating TELPAS as just another test and started using it as a year-round instructional tool?
Game-changer: Use Proficiency Level Descriptors as your teaching roadmap, not just scoring rubrics.
www.bilingualeducationconsultants.com/post/from-co...
Game-changer: Use Proficiency Level Descriptors as your teaching roadmap, not just scoring rubrics.
www.bilingualeducationconsultants.com/post/from-co...
Every learner has potential. The challenge? Many never get the opportunity to show it.
Dr. Lavert Hill reminds us: True differentiation means closing cognitive gaps, not labeling kids.
Meet students where they are and take them further. 💡
🔗 bit.ly/4jrp7aS
#Education #Equity #Differentiation
Dr. Lavert Hill reminds us: True differentiation means closing cognitive gaps, not labeling kids.
Meet students where they are and take them further. 💡
🔗 bit.ly/4jrp7aS
#Education #Equity #Differentiation
Differentiation Has Been Abandoned—Quietly
(What No One Wants to Admit About the Classroom Right Now)
If teachers could ask for one thing to strengthen their practice, it wouldn’t be another app. It wouldn’t be another initiative, a scripted program, or a sit-and-get PD.
www.linkedin.com
May 29, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Every learner has potential. The challenge? Many never get the opportunity to show it.
Dr. Lavert Hill reminds us: True differentiation means closing cognitive gaps, not labeling kids.
Meet students where they are and take them further. 💡
🔗 bit.ly/4jrp7aS
#Education #Equity #Differentiation
Dr. Lavert Hill reminds us: True differentiation means closing cognitive gaps, not labeling kids.
Meet students where they are and take them further. 💡
🔗 bit.ly/4jrp7aS
#Education #Equity #Differentiation
Congrats high school and college grads! You’re part of a legacy of strength and success—keep pushing forward. Sigue adelante y échale ganas! 🎓✨
May 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Congrats high school and college grads! You’re part of a legacy of strength and success—keep pushing forward. Sigue adelante y échale ganas! 🎓✨
Read-alouds do more than build fluency—they grow bilingual & biliterate thinkers!
📚 Choose meaningful texts
🗣️ Practice for expression
💬 Make space for discussion
Language grows through connection.
#Biliteracy #MultilingualLearners #EdChat
ascd.org/el/articles/...
📚 Choose meaningful texts
🗣️ Practice for expression
💬 Make space for discussion
Language grows through connection.
#Biliteracy #MultilingualLearners #EdChat
ascd.org/el/articles/...
A Better Way to Read Aloud
Strategies that spark discussion, build knowledge, and deepen students’ connection to reading.
ascd.org
May 10, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Read-alouds do more than build fluency—they grow bilingual & biliterate thinkers!
📚 Choose meaningful texts
🗣️ Practice for expression
💬 Make space for discussion
Language grows through connection.
#Biliteracy #MultilingualLearners #EdChat
ascd.org/el/articles/...
📚 Choose meaningful texts
🗣️ Practice for expression
💬 Make space for discussion
Language grows through connection.
#Biliteracy #MultilingualLearners #EdChat
ascd.org/el/articles/...
Want high-impact, low-prep strategy that boosts thinking 💭 and language?
Powerful communication stems are not just scaffolds—they’re springboards for academic voice 🗣️and thinking 💭.
One communication stem that always gets your students thinking 💭?
bit.ly/4cVoBAi
Powerful communication stems are not just scaffolds—they’re springboards for academic voice 🗣️and thinking 💭.
One communication stem that always gets your students thinking 💭?
bit.ly/4cVoBAi
Scaffolding for Success: Sentence Stems That Prompt Thinking
by Marcy Voss Ask educators what are two things they lack, and in unison, they will say, “Time and money!” So, I am sure you will agree that any strategy that helps us “work smarter and not harder”…
bit.ly
April 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Want high-impact, low-prep strategy that boosts thinking 💭 and language?
Powerful communication stems are not just scaffolds—they’re springboards for academic voice 🗣️and thinking 💭.
One communication stem that always gets your students thinking 💭?
bit.ly/4cVoBAi
Powerful communication stems are not just scaffolds—they’re springboards for academic voice 🗣️and thinking 💭.
One communication stem that always gets your students thinking 💭?
bit.ly/4cVoBAi
What if every student—especially ELs—used writing to learn in every class?
Just 1–2 min a day:
🔍 Deepens understanding
🗣️ Builds academic language
🎨 Inclusive—even scribbles count!
📈 1 sentence/day × 180 = big gains
How are you using writing to elevate learning?
seidlitzblog.org/2019/12/04/e...
Just 1–2 min a day:
🔍 Deepens understanding
🗣️ Builds academic language
🎨 Inclusive—even scribbles count!
📈 1 sentence/day × 180 = big gains
How are you using writing to elevate learning?
seidlitzblog.org/2019/12/04/e...
ELs Writing in Content-Area Classes
by Carol Salva Is it really a good idea to spend time having students write in content-area classes? The answer is YES! Here are some reasons and a few ideas on how to make writing time practica…
seidlitzblog.org
April 25, 2025 at 2:52 PM
What if every student—especially ELs—used writing to learn in every class?
Just 1–2 min a day:
🔍 Deepens understanding
🗣️ Builds academic language
🎨 Inclusive—even scribbles count!
📈 1 sentence/day × 180 = big gains
How are you using writing to elevate learning?
seidlitzblog.org/2019/12/04/e...
Just 1–2 min a day:
🔍 Deepens understanding
🗣️ Builds academic language
🎨 Inclusive—even scribbles count!
📈 1 sentence/day × 180 = big gains
How are you using writing to elevate learning?
seidlitzblog.org/2019/12/04/e...
Many students sound fluent — but struggle academically.
How do you bridge the gap between conversational English and true academic language?
Share your best strategy!
#AcademicLanguage #ELL #EducationEquity #EdChat
languagemagazine.com/2025/04/03/w...
How do you bridge the gap between conversational English and true academic language?
Share your best strategy!
#AcademicLanguage #ELL #EducationEquity #EdChat
languagemagazine.com/2025/04/03/w...
What is Academic Language?
The term academic language has been used a lot in the field of English as a second language education. What is it? You will probably get a different answer from each educator you ask. How do we suppor...
languagemagazine.com
April 18, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Many students sound fluent — but struggle academically.
How do you bridge the gap between conversational English and true academic language?
Share your best strategy!
#AcademicLanguage #ELL #EducationEquity #EdChat
languagemagazine.com/2025/04/03/w...
How do you bridge the gap between conversational English and true academic language?
Share your best strategy!
#AcademicLanguage #ELL #EducationEquity #EdChat
languagemagazine.com/2025/04/03/w...
Future of ELL education: Metacognition & AI driving self-regulation, instant feedback, & tailored learning. What are your thoughts? #EdInnovation #AIforLearning #ELLSupport
www.eschoolnews.com/digital-lear...
www.eschoolnews.com/digital-lear...
Fostering metacognition and AI integration for ELLs
Metacognition improves student autonomy and learning outcomes, particularly when paired with AI tools providing real-time feedback for ELLs.
www.eschoolnews.com
April 18, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Future of ELL education: Metacognition & AI driving self-regulation, instant feedback, & tailored learning. What are your thoughts? #EdInnovation #AIforLearning #ELLSupport
www.eschoolnews.com/digital-lear...
www.eschoolnews.com/digital-lear...
Experienced Multilinguals (EMs) bring powerful skills and stories. They thrive when challenged, supported, and seen.
Real success comes from recognizing their strengths, building deep academic skills, fostering independence, and affirming their identities.
www.colorincolorado.org/article/9-le...
Real success comes from recognizing their strengths, building deep academic skills, fostering independence, and affirming their identities.
www.colorincolorado.org/article/9-le...
9 Lessons Learned from Our Experienced Multilinguals
www.colorincolorado.org
April 18, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Experienced Multilinguals (EMs) bring powerful skills and stories. They thrive when challenged, supported, and seen.
Real success comes from recognizing their strengths, building deep academic skills, fostering independence, and affirming their identities.
www.colorincolorado.org/article/9-le...
Real success comes from recognizing their strengths, building deep academic skills, fostering independence, and affirming their identities.
www.colorincolorado.org/article/9-le...
Are we teaching math… or teaching math through language?
For multilingual learners, the two must go hand-in-hand.
How can we better support their brilliance?
#MathEducation #LanguageMatters
learnwithsap.org/app/uploads/...
For multilingual learners, the two must go hand-in-hand.
How can we better support their brilliance?
#MathEducation #LanguageMatters
learnwithsap.org/app/uploads/...
April 18, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Are we teaching math… or teaching math through language?
For multilingual learners, the two must go hand-in-hand.
How can we better support their brilliance?
#MathEducation #LanguageMatters
learnwithsap.org/app/uploads/...
For multilingual learners, the two must go hand-in-hand.
How can we better support their brilliance?
#MathEducation #LanguageMatters
learnwithsap.org/app/uploads/...
How do YOU make your lessons accessible for newcomer English learners? Share your best tips in the comments! 👇 Then, check out this article for 6 more fantastic ideas!
iwtle.com/2025/03/10/dif…#newcomerteachersr#languagelearnersr#edchatat
iwtle.com/2025/03/10/dif…#newcomerteachersr#languagelearnersr#edchatat
https://iwtle.com/2025/03/10/dif…
April 14, 2025 at 2:11 AM
How do YOU make your lessons accessible for newcomer English learners? Share your best tips in the comments! 👇 Then, check out this article for 6 more fantastic ideas!
iwtle.com/2025/03/10/dif…#newcomerteachersr#languagelearnersr#edchatat
iwtle.com/2025/03/10/dif…#newcomerteachersr#languagelearnersr#edchatat
Want to unlock reading success for young multilingual learners? Engaging read-alouds + reading together + support = big wins! #MLE #Literacy
www.tesol.org/blog/posts/e...
www.tesol.org/blog/posts/e...
Essential Reading Strategies For Young Multilingual Learners of English | TESOL | International Association
www.tesol.org
April 12, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Want to unlock reading success for young multilingual learners? Engaging read-alouds + reading together + support = big wins! #MLE #Literacy
www.tesol.org/blog/posts/e...
www.tesol.org/blog/posts/e...
Thank you Valentina Gonzalez for sharing key insights on:
✅ Culturally responsive teaching
✅ Oracy development
✅ Effective skills instruction
🎧 Listen now: ellevationeducation.com/podcast/cont...
What’s your best tip for supporting diverse learners? Comment below! 👇
✅ Culturally responsive teaching
✅ Oracy development
✅ Effective skills instruction
🎧 Listen now: ellevationeducation.com/podcast/cont...
What’s your best tip for supporting diverse learners? Comment below! 👇
Content instruction that welcomes multilingual learners with Valentina Gonzalez | Ellevation
ellevationeducation.com
April 12, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Thank you Valentina Gonzalez for sharing key insights on:
✅ Culturally responsive teaching
✅ Oracy development
✅ Effective skills instruction
🎧 Listen now: ellevationeducation.com/podcast/cont...
What’s your best tip for supporting diverse learners? Comment below! 👇
✅ Culturally responsive teaching
✅ Oracy development
✅ Effective skills instruction
🎧 Listen now: ellevationeducation.com/podcast/cont...
What’s your best tip for supporting diverse learners? Comment below! 👇
📣 Must-See Writing Resource!
Big thanks to Valentina Gonzalez for sharing the Picture Word Inductive—a powerful tool to boost emerging writers' skills.
🔗 Grab the guide here: www.valentinaesl.com/uploads/8/0/...
#Literacy #ELL
**What’s your favorite writing strategy?** Drop it below! 👇
Big thanks to Valentina Gonzalez for sharing the Picture Word Inductive—a powerful tool to boost emerging writers' skills.
🔗 Grab the guide here: www.valentinaesl.com/uploads/8/0/...
#Literacy #ELL
**What’s your favorite writing strategy?** Drop it below! 👇
www.valentinaesl.com
April 12, 2025 at 12:06 AM
📣 Must-See Writing Resource!
Big thanks to Valentina Gonzalez for sharing the Picture Word Inductive—a powerful tool to boost emerging writers' skills.
🔗 Grab the guide here: www.valentinaesl.com/uploads/8/0/...
#Literacy #ELL
**What’s your favorite writing strategy?** Drop it below! 👇
Big thanks to Valentina Gonzalez for sharing the Picture Word Inductive—a powerful tool to boost emerging writers' skills.
🔗 Grab the guide here: www.valentinaesl.com/uploads/8/0/...
#Literacy #ELL
**What’s your favorite writing strategy?** Drop it below! 👇
It’s in the mindset! Choosing I Will Learn Vs. I Can’t.
www.threads.net/@jamescleara...
www.threads.net/@jamescleara...
Atomic Habits by James Clear ✍️ (@jamesclearatomichabits) on Threads
Switching your mindset from "I can't" to "I'll learn" is life-changing.
www.threads.net
April 8, 2025 at 12:45 AM
It’s in the mindset! Choosing I Will Learn Vs. I Can’t.
www.threads.net/@jamescleara...
www.threads.net/@jamescleara...