January 8, 2026 — Across the United States, nearly two out of three children are not reading proficiently by third grade. For multilingual learners and other historically underserved students, the consequences are especially profound: academic gaps widen and opportunities narrow.
Yet, we know a different story is possible.
After more than a decade of building one of California’s highest-performing dual language programs, ranking in the top 1% of schools statewide, Yu Ming is launching the Yu Ming Multilingual Institute to share what works, at scale.
At Yu Ming, 84% of students are fluent English readers by third grade, the result of sustained dual language instruction, evidence-based structured literacy, and deep instructional coaching. Just as importantly, students develop confidence, agency, and joy as learners.
As we reflect on a year of learning and growth, and look ahead with optimism, the Multilingual Institute represents both gratitude for what our community has built and hope for what is possible next.
Built directly out of Yu Ming’s award-winning classrooms, the Multilingual Institute equips educators with clear, replicable tools and strategies that accelerate literacy growth while honoring students’ linguistic and cultural assets.
Expanding Measurable Impact
In the 2024-25 school year, we piloted the Multilingual Institute with Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms in three public schools offering Mandarin and Spanish across both 90/10 and 50/50 models. The early results were compelling:
- 100% of participating educators reported stronger instruction and higher student engagement
- 87% of kindergarteners and 75% of first graders were reading at or above proficiency by spring
These early outcomes point to what is possible when multilingual instruction is deeply and strategically supported. Building on this foundation, the Multilingual Institute expanded this year to schools across six California public school systems.
What We Offer Our Partners
At the heart of the Institute is the Dual Language Literacy Model (DLLM) – Yu Ming’s structured approach to differentiated target language literacy grounded in evidence-based practice, real-time data use, and sustained coaching for leaders, teachers, and learners. The model empowers:
- Teachers to personalize and strengthen literacy instruction
- Leaders to build coherent, high-impact instructional systems
- Students to become strategic, confident, and joyful readers and learners
For over a decade, Yu Ming has carefully piloted, refined and integrated innovative practices within its whole-child, dual-language immersion model. The Multilingual Institute now brings that hard-won learning to schools ready to deepen their impact for multilingual learners.
As we close one year and step into the next, we invite educators, leaders, and partners to imagine what’s possible when multilingual learners are centered, supported, and challenged to thrive.
Learn more.
Start a conversation.
Join us in shaping what comes next.