Wilson Language Training Partners with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan to Enhance Literacy for Multilingual Students
Collaboration for Enhanced Literacy
In a significant move to bolster literacy among multilingual learners, Wilson Language Training has partnered with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan and her company, Valley Speech. This collaboration, announced on October 7, 2025, brings together two pioneering organizations committed to providing effective literacy instruction for all children, regardless of their language background.
Background of the Partnership
Educators today are increasingly faced with the challenge of addressing the diverse needs of students who come from various linguistic backgrounds. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows alarming trends: multilingual fourth graders are scoring, on average, significantly lower than their peers, underlining the urgent need for tailored educational approaches. In response, Wilson and Valley Speech aim to equip teachers with scientifically-backed methodologies to ensure effective reading instruction among these students.
A Unified Mission in Education
Keri Dixon, Wilson's CEO, stated, "Our mission has always been to provide educators with comprehensive tools for effective literacy teaching. The integration of Valley Speech's expertise with ours enhances our ability to cater to the unique requirements of multilingual learners."
Valley Speech's flagship program, Esperanza, employs a multisensory approach that emphasizes structured literacy instruction for Spanish-speaking students, particularly those with dyslexia. This complements Wilson's renowned program, the Wilson Reading System (WRS), which provides explicit instruction using a similar multisensory strategy but for English-language learners. Together, these programs create a holistic approach to literacy education.
Transforming Lives Through Education
Deanna Fogarty, Vice President and Head of Reading Science at Wilson, expressed enthusiasm for this alliance: "Both Wilson and Valley Speech are united in the belief that literacy can transform lives. Our collaboration ensures that every child, independent of their linguistic abilities, receives high-quality literacy education."
Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of advancing structured multiliteracy: "We are committed to making sure all multilingual learners have access to instruction that meets their unique learning needs. This partnership is a crucial step towards promoting equitable literacy outcomes across the United States."
Future Insights and Events
As part of their commitment to advancing literacy, Wilson Language Training will showcase its programs at The Reading League Conference from October 8-10. Attendees can visit their booth (#406) to learn more about their innovative approaches and how they are working to improve literacy for all students.
This partnership highlights a critical shift in the educational landscape, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive literacy programs for multilingual learners. By leveraging decades of expertise, Wilson and Valley Speech position themselves at the forefront of the literacy movement, aiming to bridge the gap in educational achievement for children from diverse language backgrounds. Through this collaborative effort, they demonstrate their unwavering dedication to achieving the common goal of $Literacy for All$ much needed in our society today.