Information on SPARK-EL National Professional Development Grant
SPARK-EL is designed to provide research-based professional learning that develops pre-service and in-service educators’ capacity to improve outcomes for English Learners (ELs)/Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in rural Central Washington. The project builds long-term district capacity through integrated educator preparation, leadership development, on-site coaching, enhanced family-community-school partnerships, and a regional community of practice.
Partners
Central Washington University is proud to partner with our colleagues in:
- Educational Service District 105, serving 25 public school districts in Kittitas, Yakima, Grant and Klickitat counties in south central Washington.
- Ellensburg School District #401
- Grandview School District
- Selah School District
- Wahluke School District
- Yakima School District
- Zillah School District #205
Goals & Objectives
SPARK-EL will strengthen educator preparation for English learners by:
- Increasing the number of rural educators earning endorsements in MLL education and building their capacity to use evidence-based instructional, assessment, and literacy practices (pre-service teacher candidates and in-service educators in core content areas and specials),
- Developing district-based instructional leaders through a train-the-trainer model that supports instructional improvement and expands the ability of general educators to effectively serve MLLs through coaching cycles,
- Establishing a sustainable community of practice that fosters collaborative inquiry, shared learning, and ongoing regional partnerships, and
- Expanding educational, enrichment, and postsecondary opportunities for MLLs, strengthen family leadership and engagement, and improve students’ language proficiency and academic achievement.
Participating in the SPARK-EL Grant Project
The grant team welcomes the participation of individuals who would like to:
- Serve on our grant advisory board
- Add on an ELL/MLL endorsement or Bilingual Education Dual Language (BEDL) endorsement as an undergraduate or graduate student
- Obtain an MLL/BEDL instructional coaching micro-credential to support peers in the central Washington schools and make a difference in the lives of multilingual learners in the region
- Participate in our online community of practice
- Stay connected and discover exciting opportunities to get involved! Check this website regularly for the latest updates on grant activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate.
For questions or to learn how to get involved, please contact SPARK-EL leadership at soe@cwu.edu.
CWU News
CWU proud to join national FirstGen Forward Network
October 26, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
Crimson & Black returns to mailboxes and campus news stands
October 26, 2026 by Marketing and Communications