The APEX Project
Advancing pathways toward educational excellence with educators of multilingual learners.
About APEX
Program Overview
The Advancing Pathways toward Educational eXcellence with Educators of Multilingual Learners (APEX) project is designed to improve academic outcomes and close opportunity gaps for multilingual learners designated as English Learners (MLs) in Utah. Recognizing that teacher expertise is one of the most important predictors of student gains, APEX offers comprehensive professional learning opportunities to enhance educators' abilities to effectively teach MLs.
The project partners with Canyons School District (CSD), Davis School District (DSD), Jordan School District (JSD), and other Utah districts.
Project Goals
Goal 1
Increase Utah K-12 educators' knowledge and skills for effectively teaching MLs and promoting literacy.
Goal 2
Develop program curricula, research, and practice briefs focused on evidence-based strategies.
Project Impact
APEX serves hundreds of educators, including pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, paraeducators, parents, and family advocates/after-school coordinators. The project has created multiple creditable professional pathways that improve access to credentials for educators serving MLs, helping to build a sustainable, highly qualified workforce to support MLs' academic success. Ultimately, the APEX project aims to promote educational excellence for Utah's growing ML population and reduce the educational opportunity gaps they experience.
APEX Professional Learning Pathways
APEX offers four learning pathways to advance its goal of increasing Utah K-12 educators' knowledge and skills for effectively teaching MLs using evidence-based practices. Each pathway is oriented to provide different groups of educators and support personnel with the tools they need to continue to strengthen their practices with multilingual learners and offers opportunities for university undergraduate or graduate continuing education credits and/or USBE credits.
Pre-service Teaching
Learning Pathway
Non-ESL Endorsed In-service Teacher
Learning Pathway
View Course Info for Non-ESL Endorsed In-service Teacher Learning Pathway
Paraeducator Training
Learning Pathway
ESL-Endorsed Teacher Advanced
Learning Pathway
View Course Info for ESL-Endorsed Teacher Advanced Learning Pathway
APEX Project Team
The APEX Project Team consists of University of Utah researchers, partner Utah District Administrative Liaison Teams, and stakeholder representatives. It also includes a group of committed faculty, doctoral students, local elementary and secondary ESL/dual language teachers, and national experts who instruct, design, and/or provide guest lectures on their respective content areas. This is the team working behind the scenes to make this program possible.
APEX Upcoming Events
Look here to learn about upcoming APEX events open to paraeducators and educators in all Utah districts. Feel free to share and spread the word!
APEX Intensive Training Series: Foundation of Educating MLs in & out of School
This 3-credit, fully online course is offered year-round and focuses on building foundational skills for supporting multilingual learners and their families. It is designed for individuals who are not in teaching roles and do not hold a teaching license.
APEX Advanced ESL Training Institutes: Institutes on Newcomers & Their Families
In-service teachers pursuing an ESL endorsement can participate in APEX Advanced ESL Training Institutes, which offer specialized learning on targeted topics. More details are available under the ESL Endorsed Teacher Advanced Learning Pathway.