Education
Latino Summit 2026 Program
Location: Lobdell
Beyond the Numbers: MLL Data in Delaware and the Stories They Tell
Workshop Times: 9:45 AM, 1:30 PM
“Beyond the Numbers: MLL Data in Delaware and the Stories They Tell” is an interactive, panel-based workshop that brings statewide data to life through the lived experiences of multilingual learners and those who support them. Using insights from the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, participants will explore key trends through a gallery walk of visual data displays.
The session culminates in a dynamic panel featuring students, educators, parents, and administrators who connect the data to real-world experiences. Through guided discussion and audience engagement, participants will gain deeper insight into the challenges and successes reflected in MLL outcomes.
Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to interpret data with empathy and apply it to more equitable practices and policies, highlighting the power of storytelling alongside quantitative analysis.
State of Public Education in Delaware
Workshop Times: 11 AM, 2:45 PM
“Equity, Excellence, and Access: Delaware’s Public School Funding Today” is an interactive workshop designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how school funding structures impact multilingual learners (MLLs) across Delaware—and what changes are needed to better support their success.
The session begins with a presentation by Maria Rodriguez, who will provide essential context on Delaware’s current public school funding system, with a particular focus on how resources are (and are not) allocated to meet the needs of MLL students. She will unpack key challenges within the existing model and introduce the concept of Multi-Tiered MLL Funding —an approach that differentiates funding levels based on students’ language proficiency and specific needs, aiming to create a more equitable and responsive system.
Following the presentation, participants will transition into small group discussions to reflect more deeply on the information shared. Guided prompts will encourage attendees to analyze the implications of current funding practices, explore the potential impact of a multi-tiered approach, and identify practical strategies for advocacy and implementation within their own contexts.
The workshop concludes with groups sharing insights and identifying next steps and calls to action, empowering participants to move from understanding to engagement. Whether at the school, district, or policy level, attendees will leave better equipped to contribute to conversations and efforts that advance equitable funding for multilingual learners in Delaware.