From Access to Opportunity: Designing Systems Where Multilingual Learners Thrive

What if the greatest opportunity to improve multilingual learner outcomes begins with changing how educators define success?

In this thought-provoking video, José Viana draws on his personal journey as a multilingual learner and his decades of experience as an educator and national education leader to offer a fresh perspective about multilingual learner success. Through personal reflection and leadership insights, he challenges traditional assumptions about language development and encourages education leaders to reconsider key priorities, including:

• Recognizing multilingualism as an asset: Shift from deficit-based thinking to an approach that values students’ linguistic and cultural strengths.
• Building systems of belonging: Create school communities where multilingual learners feel supported, included, and empowered to succeed.
• Investing in educators and family partnerships: Strengthen the relationships and support systems that help students thrive.
• Redefining student success: Look beyond English proficiency to consider academic growth, access to opportunity, and long-term potential.

With a commitment to educational equity, Lexia® brings an experienced voice to the national conversation about multilingual education and the leadership decisions that shape student success. Watch to hear José Viana's perspective.