The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has awarded the University of Houston (UH) a multi-year, $10 million grant to establish a national research and development center for English learners at the University’s Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics (TIMES). The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is one of six other key investigative partners subcontracted by the UH to provide outreach and leadership support, including hosting an annual conference to build the national, regional and local infrastructure in disseminating and encouraging the adoption of research-based policies.

Civil rights lawyer, Peter Roos, who was recently featured in Education Week, sat down with CAL to speak about his time arguing to the Supreme Court, including the 1982 landmark decision, Plyler v Doe. In the interview, Roos offers hopeful advice for the next generation of education and equity advocates. 

To mark 38th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Plyler v Doe, the Center for Applied Linguistics has published a timely memoir, Putting My Mind and Heart to Education Equity: Memoirs of an Advocate. from the civil rights advocate and lead counsel, Peter Roos (now available on Amazon). 

A first step in this direction is to add our name in support of Black Lives Matter.  It is a small step, but it communicates our clear position on the significance of the issues before us.

The CARES Act, part of Congress's coronavirus relief package, set aside $13.2 billion specifically for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Now, school districts are weighing what to do about their school budgets for the upcoming school year: 

How can the funds be used? What limitations are there? And how much does each state get?

A timely report for policymakers, principals and supervisors looking to bridge the gap for all students, Internet Disparity Challenges: Schooling for All from CAL researcher, Dr. Beatriz Arias, examines a newly created group of ELs without access to the Internet. 

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Roberta Miceli of the Center for Applied Linguistics has joined a nationally focused education working group charged with providing policy support for states, districts and schools in light of the pandemic.

Dr. Gene Garcia, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented proclamations of appreciation to past Board of Trustees from their leadership and commitment to CAL's mission. 

What CAL staff is doing day-to-day demonstrates courage and provides hope to our community. We will persevere through these unprecedented times and emerge stronger, more connected and better prepared for a changed world. [...]

I am not in a rush to have staff transition back to work at CAL headquarters. I will continue to evaluate the situation about work at the CAL facility and make any necessary adjustments as needed.

"...Without hesitation, CAL Staff have mobilized to help to our community. And you are making a huge impact.We are giving a clear message to the field that CAL can be counted on as a go-to resource during these challenging times...It is not an exaggeration to say that what you are doing is giving people is hope."