Students who develop literacy in their first language retain better communication skills and cultural competence, writes Elena Schmitt, director of the master's in bilingual/multicultural education and TESOL at Southern Connecticut State University. Schmitt, who grew up in Russia, recommends that educators encourage families to use their native language at home and leverage evidence-based literacy programs to support bilingualism and cultural identity.

Book Trust has won an Anthem Award for its "Read Together Hero Moment" initiative, which involved 27,643 students receiving copies of "Dog Man: Big Jim Begins." The program celebrates everyday heroes and encourages reading among young students, reflecting the themes of the "Dog Man" series. "This honor underscores that everyone can play a role in inspiring young readers," said Book Trust CEO Patience Peabody.

Technology is a crucial tool for closing learning equity gaps, especially for students facing challenges such as dyslexia, limited English proficiency or socioeconomic barriers, writes Brandi Solis, a computer teacher at Anna Kirchgater Elementary School in Sacramento, Calif. Solis shares her personal experience with dyslexia and emphasizes the importance of integrating technology with traditional teaching methods to foster a growth mindset and motivate students. She highlights the benefits of game-based learning and AI tools such as Prodigy Education, Read Along and Brisk to engage students and address diverse learning challenges.

Instructional coach Donna Spangler suggests coaches use the two-part Coaching Calendar of Hope to support teachers, particularly during December and January. The calendar -- which features 24 small coaching acts to encourage teachers -- is based on Charles Snyder's Hope Theory and emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, finding pathways to achieve them and believing in one's ability to succeed.