February 2026

Scott E. Grapin (City University of New York) and Eunae Kim (University of Miami) have been named this year’s co-recipients of the TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for their 2025 AERA Open article, “District Supervisors’ Sensemaking and Implementation of English Language Development Standards: WIDA 2020 Edition” (AERA Open, Vol. 11).

The James E. Alatis Prize for Research in Language Policy and Planning in Educational Contexts is awarded annually by the International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF). The prize recognizes an outstanding article or chapter published in English that addresses language policy or planning in education. TIRF seeks to influence the formation and implementation of language education policies, recognizing the importance of indigenous languages and cultures and of English as an international language.

Grapin’s research examines policy and practice for multilingual learners in K–12 education, with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and assessment in content-area classrooms, particularly STEM. Kim’s research focuses on multilingual and heritage language learners from immigrant backgrounds, digital literacies, and how learners use their linguistic and cultural resources across in- and out-of-school contexts.

Reflecting on the award, Grapin and Kim noted, “A key finding of the study was that implementation of English language development standards calls for concerted collaboration among stakeholders. Such collaboration was a central theme of Dr. Alatis’s long and storied career in TESOL. We are also thrilled to accept this award as an advisor-advisee co-author team, which resonates with TIRF’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars in English language education. We are grateful to TIRF for this generous award and hope this article raises awareness of the potential of English language development standards as a policy lever for multilingual learner equity.”

To read Grapin and Kim’s open access article, click here.