Exploring ESL Challenges and Solutions in a Growing School District

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the scenes of one of the most linguistically diverse and economically challenged districts in the nation.

You’ll discover how Springdale is innovating literacy instruction through targeted English language development, federally funded family literacy programs, and data-driven teacher collaboration. From navigating a student body that speaks over 49 languages to adapting curriculum and technology for multilingual learners, this episode is a blueprint for inclusive, effective, and equitable literacy education.

Whether you’re a district leader, classroom teacher, or education advocate, this conversation delivers practical insights on how to meet students—and their families—where they are, and help them thrive.

Key Moments

00:00 "Excited Arkansas Conversation Intro"

04:09 Diverse Student Linguistic Support

06:39 Comprehensive Language Support Program

09:53 "EL Achieve Curriculum Implementation"

16:18 Supplemental Software Enhances Classroom Learning

19:25 Instructional Facilitators Enhance Education

22:45 Focus on Oral Language Development

27:37 Bridging Language Gaps for Students

30:32 Arkansas Teachers Embrace Science of Reading

32:10 Educator Training and Proficiency Mandates

35:54 "Future Focus: Language in Education"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and community-driven change, this episode will leave you inspired. You’ll hear how Springdale’s leaders are blending the science of reading with culturally responsive practices, using data without losing the human element, and reshaping the role of schools as hubs of family empowerment. It's a candid, insightful look at what it really takes to turn challenges into meaningful, measurable growth.

Connect with Kimberly Glass

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-glass-57911514

Website: https://www.sdale.org/

Connect with Dr. Carrie Bradow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carrie-bradow-32504957

Website: https://www.sdale.org/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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