Bridging the gap: Enhancing math readiness for English Language Learners with Binogi, a multilingual digital application

In an increasingly globalized educational landscape, a persistent equity gap remains: the significant underrepresentation and underperformance of language learners in science and mathematics education. In Canada, this challenge is acute. While research indicates it takes years to acquire academic language proficiency, newcomer and refugee students are often subjected to standardized assessments in the language of instruction well before they are linguistically ready. Recent data from Ontario’s EQAO reveals that only 34% of English Language Learners met provincial mathematics standards in 2023. This disconnect creates a "preparedness gap," where students possess the cognitive potential for STEM success but lack the linguistic and assessment-taking strategies to demonstrate it.

We propose to address this systemic barrier by leveraging digital technologies that utilize, rather than ignore, students' linguistic assets. We will investigate how linguistically responsive tools can bridge the divide between curriculum content and standardized assessment demands.

Our objective is to enhance the academic progression and assessment readiness of minoritized students. To this end, we will work collaboratively with Binogi, a partner organization preparing to launch a multilingual educational platform aligned with the Canadian curriculum. By co-developing targeted digital activities, this project aims to build academic language, digital literacy, and assessment skills. The research question is:

How can digital learning tools be designed and implemented to effectively support the standardized assessment preparedness of minoritized language learners in Canada, particularly in STEM subjects?

This project has direct relevance to the academic trajectory of vulnerable newcomer populations. Beyond immediate assessment support, we anticipate that the results will demonstrate the value of multilingual digital tools in reducing dropout rates and will provide educators with concrete strategies for supporting diverse learners in STEM.