Doctoral student Muriel Ortiz presented her innovative research-based theoretical framework called eMTSS with a HUGG at two conferences recently. In November 2023 she presented MTSS Framework: Tier 1 with a HUG at La Cosecha by the Dual Language Education of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and in June 2023 she presented at the Association for Two-Way Dual Language Education (ATDLE) conference in Sacramento, CA. Read on to hear about her conference experiences and her original and groundbreaking research, congratulations Muriel!
Her framework is currently being implemented in two districts in Illinois this school year where she serves as a consultant with Adelante Educational Specialists Group and focuses on the many components needed in a successful MTSS process, working with multilingual learners, and how language is at the core of each and every learner. Tier 1 with a HUG explores how to provide effective language supports and progress monitoring for our multilingual learners. Her research is centered on inclusive bilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, differentiation, and equitable practices that are reflective in planning, instruction, assessment, and environment.
In November 2023 Ortiz presented her MTSS Framework: Tier 1 with a HUG at La Cosecha by the Dual Language Education of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM
There are many components needed in a successful MTSS process, however, when working with multilingual learners, language is at the core of each and every learner. Tier 1 with a HUG pays special attention to language development. Deciding if it’s a language or a learning difficulty will be an easier process once you’ve developed a process for the HUG. During this interactive session, we explore the components of Tier 1 and how to provide effective language supports and progress monitoring for our multilingual learners through this HUG. Socio-Cultural Responsiveness, Educational Equity and Access
In June 2023 she presented at the Association for Two-Way Dual Language Education (ATDLE) conference in Sacramento, CA
With so many initiatives at the forefront of education it may seem as though bilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, equitable practices, and tiered supports live in silos; however, these are not exclusive of each other. Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) are rooted in the function of everyday teaching and learning with Tier 1 of MTSS as the bedrock that serves all students. Tier 1 is inclusive of bilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, differentiation, and equitable practices that are reflective in planning, instruction, assessment, and environment. This session describes how equitable MTSS is the foundational framework for culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy and describes these processes in detail, from Tiers 1 to 3.
Currently she works as the Coordinator for the Tools for Teachers Division at Smarter Balanced, a non-profit assessment consortium out of the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as serving as a subject-matter expert of Multilingual Learners in an initiative with IBM to promote AI in educational measurement.
Congratulations Muriel on your evolving research and essential work in inclusive education!
DePaul University COE Doctoral Program 