Write to Succeed: Improving English Learner Literacy in New Mexico

Professional learning can lead to improvements in classroom instruction and student learning. Equipping both English learner specialists and content teachers with the skills to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction has the potential to improve outcomes for not only English learner students but all students. This Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southwest video introduces the Write to Succeed program, a no-cost professional learning program that helps teachers develop their students' writing and literacy skills. The video includes interviews with REL Southwest experts, school leaders, instructional coaches, and teachers.

REL Southwest is partnering with educators across New Mexico to improve English learner student literacy through the Southwest English Learner Literacy (SWELL) partnership. One goal of the SWELL partnership is to study how the Write to Succeed professional learning program helps teachers' literacy instruction.

Featured speakers include the following:

• Brenda Arellano, Ph.D., Partnership Senior Advisor, REL Southwest
• Edgardo Castro, Ph.D., Chief Academic and Federal Programs Officer, Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools
• Renee Byrum, Instructional Coach, Eagle Ridge Middle School
• Kamolparn Higgins, Teacher, Arrey Elementary School

See also the related infographic, which describes two approaches that support effective writing instruction and introduces Write to Succeed.