Language as a Mathematical Bridge, Not a Barrier

How to Empower Multilingual Learners in Math

Picture this: Maria, a sixth grader who speaks Spanish at home, sits quietly during math class as her classmates debate different problem-solving strategies. She understands the mathematical concepts perfectly but struggles to express her reasoning in English.

Maria isn't alone. Across the United States, more than 5.3 million multilingual learners (MLL) represent 10.6% of all public school students. In some states, like California, this reality is even more pronounced—multilingual learners comprise nearly 19% of the student population, making comprehensive MLL support beneficial and absolutely essential.

Here's the game-changing shift we must make: treating language as a resource, not a hurdle. When we leverage students' linguistic diversity as an asset and equip teachers with the right tools—like those embedded throughout our ClearMath^® solutions—we transform math classrooms into vibrant spaces where every voice matters.

From Deficit to Asset-Based Language

The language we use to describe our students matters more than you might think. English as a Second Language (ESL) emerged in the 1970s, replacing the more problematic "Limited English Proficient" classification. While ESL marked progress, it still focuses on English acquisition rather than recognizing the full linguistic repertoire students bring to school.

Multilingual learners (MLLs), on the other hand, represent a more recent shift toward asset-based terminology. As the University of Wisconsin-Madison explains, multilingual learners are "students developing proficiency in multiple languages," emphasizing what students know rather than what they don't know. This term recognizes the totality of a student and their valuable linguistic resources.

Math classrooms across the country are becoming multilingual spaces—and that's exactly how it should be. This philosophy drives our math solutions, weaving in supports that celebrate linguistic diversity and ensure every student can meaningfully participate. After all, speaking multiple languages isn't a limitation; it's a superpower in our interconnected world.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona posed a crucial question at the National Association for Bilingual Education conference: "Why is it that in 2023, in many school systems in our country, we treat our English learners as students with deficits—rather than assets in a globally competitive world?" These students bring rich perspectives and problem-solving approaches shaped by their diverse linguistic backgrounds—assets that strengthen the entire classroom community.

Why Language Matters in Math Learning 

Math isn't just about numbers and formulas. Mathematical understanding runs much deeper than memorizing algorithms. Students need to justify their reasoning, critique others' solutions, and use precise mathematical language.

When students explain their thinking, defend their solutions, or collaborate on complex problems, they're doing the heavy lifting of mathematical reasoning. This discourse-rich approach isn't just nice to have; it's essential for deep learning.

That's where comprehensive math solutions designed for multilingual learners become game-changers. That’s why our math programs integrate multilingual learner supports directly into the learning process—so language development and mathematical understanding happen side by side. ClearMath Elementary directly addresses this mandate by integrating MLL supports seamlessly into every lesson, ensuring that language development and mathematical understanding happen simultaneously rather than in isolation.

What Multilingual Learners Actually Need

Here's what doesn't work: handing students a vocabulary list and calling it "support." MLLs need structures that honor their linguistic backgrounds while building bridges to academic English.

Instead, practical support for multilingual learners includes:

• Leveled scaffolds that meet students where they are—whether they're just beginning their English journey or expanding their academic vocabulary. Rather than one-size-fits-all approaches, students need differentiated support based on their language proficiency levels. ClearMath Elementary delivers this through its three-tiered scaffold system: supports that align directly with California's English Language Development and WIDA standards.
• Structured routines that give students predictable frameworks for mathematical conversations. When students know what to expect, they can focus on expressing their mathematical thinking rather than decoding unclear expectations. The Math Language Routines provide these predictable structures, creating safe spaces for mathematical discourse.
• Tools that honor home languages and validate the rich linguistic resources students bring to the classroom. The goal isn't to replace students' home languages—it's to build confidence and create pathways for them to express their brilliant mathematical thinking in English too. ClearMath Elementary’s approach validates students' multilingual identities while building bridges to academic English proficiency. What Multilingual Learners Actually Need

Putting Theory Into Practice

Ready to see these principles in action? ClearMath delivers comprehensive, research-based tools that transform classrooms through its integrated multilingual support system.

Multilingual Learner Support in ClearMath includes three distinct scaffolding levels:

• Emerging: Support for students just beginning their English language journey, featuring visual supports, sentence frames, and translated key terms
• Expanding: Tools for students developing academic language skills, including structured discussion protocols and academic vocabulary development
• Bridging: Resources for students refining sophisticated academic discourse, emphasizing precise mathematical language and complex reasoning

Real-World Impact in Action 

"Take 30 seconds to think about this problem silently," she begins, following the curriculum's built-in processing time recommendations. "Now turn to your partner and use this sentence frame: 'I notice that... because...'" The sentence frame appears right in her lesson materials, and suddenly, every student has an entry point into the mathematical conversation.

ClearMath also includes robust re-engagement opportunities—brilliant chances for MLLs to revisit concepts through multiple modalities:

• Visual representations that make abstract concepts concrete through embedded interactive tools
• Hands-on manipulatives integrated into digital and physical learning experiences
• Verbal discussions with structured language supports built directly into lesson sequences
• Digital explorations through the platform's adaptive learning system

This isn't about dumbing down the math but providing multiple pathways to understanding. When students can approach concepts from different angles, they build a deeper, more flexible understanding.ClearMath's design ensures that these multiple pathways aren't extras teachers need to find time for—they're integral to how the curriculum unfolds.

Making It Happen in Your Classroom

The technology piece matters too, and ClearMath's platform makes MLL tools searchable and accessible exactly when teachers need them. All those scaffolds and supports are available at the click of a button, not buried in supplemental materials that never get used.

ClearMath Elementary  supports successful implementation through:

• Point-of-use prompts that offer just-in-time guidance during lessons, with MLL considerations embedded throughout
• Language link callouts highlighting exactly when to emphasize academic vocabulary development
• Conversation starters that get students talking about their mathematical reasoning, with built-in supports for different proficiency levels
• Academic language glossaries that serve as ongoing references, available in both English and Spanish

The platform's teacher dashboard also provides real-time insights into how MLLs are progressing, allowing for responsive instruction that meets students' evolving language and mathematical needs.

The Bottom Line

Maria from our opening story doesn't have to choose between her mathematical brilliance and her linguistic identity. When we leverage tools that treat language as a bridge, not a barrier—like those comprehensively integrated throughout ClearMath—we create classrooms where every student can participate fully in the joy and rigor of mathematical thinking.

The research is clear: multilingual learners thrive when we build on their assets rather than focus on their perceived deficits.ClearMath embodies this research through its asset-based design, comprehensive scaffolding system, structured routines, and seamless integration of language development with mathematical learning. The results speak for themselves when the curriculum treats multilingual support as foundational rather than supplemental.

ClearMath's approach demonstrates how curriculum can honor students' linguistic diversity while providing the structured support they need to excel in mathematics. With MLL considerations woven into every lesson rather than relegated to separate materials, teachers can focus on what they do best: facilitating powerful mathematical learning experiences for all students.

It's time to stop seeing linguistic diversity as a challenge to overcome and start recognizing it for what it truly is: a tremendous resource that enriches our classrooms and strengthens our students' mathematical thinking. ClearMath makes this vision not just possible, but practical for every teacher and accessible for every student.

Ready to turn these strategies into classroom magic? Download our free MLL Quick Reference K-5 Poster and give every learner the tools to shine in math.