English Learners Monthly Update
January 2020
Happy New Year!
Welcome back and welcome to 2020!! January is a great month to focus on new beginnings and goals for the year that has just started. Here are a few ideas to consider using with your English Learners:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
MLK Day is celebrated on January 20th. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader that worked hard to change policies that were unjust during his time through peaceful ways just like Gandhi of India. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day to remind us about what he did for our country and to continue his dream of peace, love and justice.
Here is a full lesson with links and ideas for extension. Any time of year is a great time to talk about leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his role in history. A focus on equality and social justice come at a time when our recent immigrants need them most.
"The time is always right to do what is right"- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Reminder: Monthly ESOL Webinar Dates!
January 28th
February 25th
March 24th
April 28th
All webinars will start at 9:00 am!
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://ksde.zoom.us/j/5561856948
KELPA Updates!
Please join us for our next DTC-BTC virtual training session on January 15 at 1:30. This session will focus on KELPA administration and KELPA scoring.
Link to the KAP website to find out information about the virtual training: https://ksassessments.org/dtc-virtual-training
You can join the meeting by phone by dialing 1-669-900-6833. The specific Meeting ID and link can be found in the table on the website.
Important KELPA Resources Available Now on the KS Website:
KS Assessment Overview (calendar with specific dates)
KELPA Secure materials will be available after the training on January 15 along with all training materials. Secure materials are housed inside the Educator Portal (HELP tab) in Kite.
KELPA Testing on iPad and Mac Computers!
In response to requests from the field, students will now be able to use an iPad to complete KELPA speaking tests. An app update is required only if you plan to administer speaking tests on an iPad. It is also highly recommended that students use an external headset with a microphone to record responses to ensure the recording is loud and clear for grading.
If your students will be completing the 2020 KELPA speaking tests using a Mac computer, you must install the new KELPA Kite Student Portal client for Mac. This new client is only for KELPA testing so do not uninstall the Student Portal client that you installed this fall. To download the new KELPA client, visit https://ksassessments.org/kite.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Kite Service Desk.
**KELPA practice test logins are available in the Technology Practice Test Guide for Educators on the KAP website along with instructions for educators.**
Goal Setting for the KELPA
Each year, most of us sit down to set some type of goal we want to accomplish for that year and I am sure you set classroom goals with your students often. So, why should the KELPA be any different? In an effort to help you and your students prepare for the KELPA, I am providing you with a sample goal sheet that can be completed with students. Having students actually write out their goals and talk about it with their teachers can be so impactful.
Consider reading this article, Goal Setting with English Learners and Multilingual Students
Please note: Teachers do not have to use any of these of course, but this could be a resource.
Language Grow and Glow Goal Sheet
KELPA Goal Sheet- Lower grades
KELPA Goal Sheet- Lower grades 2
KELPA Goal Sheet- Middle grades
Books to Consider
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Twelve-year-old Amal's dream of becoming a teacher one day is dashed in an instant when she accidentally insults a member of her Pakistani village's ruling family. As punishment for her behavior, she is forced to leave her heartbroken family behind and go work at their estate.
Amal is distraught but has faced setbacks before. So she summons her courage and begins navigating the complex rules of life as a servant, with all its attendant jealousies and pecking-order woes. Most troubling, though, is Amal's increasing awareness of the deadly measures the Khan family will go to in order to stay in control. It's clear that their hold over her village will never loosen as long as everyone is too afraid to challenge them--so if Amal is to have any chance of ensuring her loved ones' safety and winning back her freedom, she must find a way to work with the other servants to make it happen.
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America...
Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe...
All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers, from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.
Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales
In this original trickster tale, Senor Calavera arrives unexpectedly at Grandma Beetle's door. He requests that she leave with him right away. "Just a minute," Grandma Beetle tells him. She still has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas -- and that's just the start! Using both Spanish and English words to tally the party preparations, Grandma Beetle cleverly delays her trip and spends her birthday with a table full of grandchildren and her surprise guest. This spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish. The vivacious illustrations and universal depiction of a family celebration are sure to be adored by young readers everywhere.
MIDTESOL Student Essay Contest Announcement
MIDTESOL is pleased to invite teachers to announce and submit student essays for the Best K-12 ELL Student Essay Award and the Best ELL Student Essay Award.
Topics reflect the 2020 conference theme, "Community at a Crossroads: The Right to Education."
For more details about topics, rules and format, and eligibility, Click Here.
To apply, submit the essay and cover page to Lindsey Simanowitz by Friday, March 20, 2020 at 5 pm. You will receive confirmation that your submission was received, and winning recipients will be notified by Friday, April 3 at 5 pm. Essay winners will be also be announced in the summer edition of MIDTESOL Matters as well as at the #MIDTESOL20 conference in Des Moines October 2-3, 2020.
Kansas 911 PSA Video Contest
The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council is updating their statewide public service announcement regarding Text-to-911. This PSA is shared across the state and posted on their website for Emergency Communication Centers to utilize or for the public to view and learn about this technology. The Council is inviting Kansas students to participate in creating the updated PSA. Here is a letter explaining the contest and a list of 911 call summaries from 911 centers across the state who have taken successful text-to-911 calls.
Videos must be submitted to the Council by March 20, 2020.
**How awesome would it be to have our English Learners participate in this and possibly even include multiple languages! **
Spotlight: Using Technology with ELs
One of my favorite aspects of integrating technology into instruction is the availability of resources to support students with different learning needs. Students who are struggling can benefit from the excitement and engagement offered by a tool like the iPad or Chromebook. Teachers of English Learners (ELs) can use technology to promote growth in their students.
*Please note that these are merely suggestions and are not required or sponsored by KSDE.
Real-life photos can be a great addition to any lesson and can aid in understanding vocabulary!Here are few for you to consider:
Unsplash
Freerange
Pexels
Statewide EL Book Club Books
You voted and the results are in for our next book clubs. We will be reading two books for the 2019-2020 school year! I hope that you, your school/district or even PLCs take part in this awesome statewide collaboration!
Based on the votes, our first EL Book Club book is:
Boosting Achievement by Carol Salva
Join us for our final, Boosting Achievement book study discussion with author, Carol Salva!
When: Wednesday, January 8th
Time: 4pm
Location: Zoom
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=940
*Note: Space is limited
*Twitter Chat using #KsESOLbookchat, #KsESOL, #KsELs
*Padlet link below
Based on votes, our second EL Book Club book will be:
ELL Frontiers: Using Technology to Enhance Instruction for English Learners by Andrea M. Honigsfeld
Beginning:
April 1, 2020
Discussions will take place weekly (Wednesdays), online, for one hour with book authors!
Here is the link to the registration, https://events.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=939.
ELLLO- 50 High- Beginner Listening Lesson- ELLLO offers over 2,500 free listening lessons. Teachers and students can access lessons for both beginner, intermediate advanced students.
Mind's Eye
This pre-reading strategy primes students' minds by having them visualize key words from the reading and guess their significance.
Design Your Tests with English Learners in Mind
In this article, Tan Huynh will address how to differentiate the format of the standard paper-and-pencil summative assessment to meet the needs of English learners.
English Learners and Dyslexia: A Guide
There are students who are English Learners (ELs), there are students who have dyslexia... and there are also ELs who have dyslexia. Lexia Learning offers a guide to assist educators.
The dyslexia recommendations were unanimously approved by the Kansas State Board of Education in November. If you'd like to view the Hot Topics on this issue please see the link below.
- Lunchtime Hot Topics Dyslexia https://youtu.be/5vC1Fb7qgt0
E3 School Partnership Program with Ottawa University
Nominate an Ellevation Educator of the Month
Ellevation Educator of the Month is an award given to an educator that goes above and beyond in supporting the needs of their multilingual students. Whether it’s creating personalized lessons that inspire students, bridging gaps between school and families, or positively impacting the lives of multilingual learners in remarkable ways, we want to celebrate your achievements.
Spotlight: Shout out to USD 383
Spotlight YOUR school/district!
If your school or district is doing something awesome that you want to share with others in Kansas, please send your pictures (with descriptions) to nprimm@ksde.org and I will spotlight your happenings in the next month's newsletter.
*In addition, if you would like to see something added to the newsletter, please send your suggestions to nprimm@ksde.org as well!
Professional Development: Online for Free!
Building Equitable Access for the Secondary SLIFE/Newcomer Student
When: January 25th
12:00 PM EST
Technology in Rural Schools: Addressing the Challenges of Digital Equity
Tuesday, January 21, 2020 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Presented by Jennifer Austin, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Lac du Flambeau Public School (WI); Michael Flood, Vice President of Strategy, Kajeet; and Tammy Neil, Computer Science Teacher, Suwannee Middle School (FL)
Hosted by Dr. Beth Holland, Digital Equity and Rural Project Director, CoSN
Register here
Trauma-Skilled Literacy: What’s the Connection?
Thursday, January 23, 2020 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Sandy Addis, Director, National Dropout Prevention Center
Register here
How to Help ELs Develop Oral Language Skills and Become Engaged Participants
Monday, January 27, 2020 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Presented by Maya Goodall, Senior Director of EL Curriculum, Lexia Learning
Register here
Support All Students with Equity-Based MTSS
Monday, January 27, 2020 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Amy McCart, Co-Director, SWIFT Education Center, and Associate Research Professor, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas; and Dr. Dawn Miller, Associate Director of Technical Assistance, SWIFT Education Center
Register here
Current Happenings/ Upcoming Events
KSDE Presents: Rapid Literacy: ELL Strategies for Secondary Emergent Readers
Presenter: Carol Salva
February 17, 2020 (President's Day)
Lawrence, KS
8:30-3:30pm
Cost: $25 (lunch provided)
Register here!
KSDE Presents: Access and Equity in CTE: How Do You Include ALL?
How does your district encourage students with special needs and/or unique situations to participate in career programs? Schools offer enriching CTE programs, but we're struggling to enroll those students who might need additional guidance. Join Lori Jensen Wilson from Orion and Wendy Coates from KSDE as we help districts:
-Consider and develop strategies to assist special population and non-traditional students to be successful in CTE programs and post-secondary planning
-Analyze non-traditional and special population district data
-Develop a plan including how to include Perkins grants and accreditation and/or redesign goals
Dates/Locations:
Smoky Hill Jan. 21
Greenbush-Lawrence Jan. 22
Greenbush-Girard Jan. 23
ESSDACK Feb. 17
Orion Feb. 18
SWPRSC Feb. 25
Cost: $25
*Register at Service Centers' websites directly*
Test Prep for Endorsement Opportunities!
Test Prep Strategies for ESOL Endorsement
April 8, 2020
Girard, KS
9- 3pm
Cost: $125 for non-members, free to Title III Consortium members
Register here!
The National ESEA Conference
Join your colleagues from across the country February 4-7 for professional development of the highest quality. The National ESEA Conference (formerly, the National Title I Conference) is one of the most highly sought-after education events of the year. In addition to a continued focus on Title I, the Conference embraces all programs within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) impacting disadvantaged students.
Attendees encompass a wide range of professionals – from school district officials, administrators, superintendents, principals and teachers, to state level officials, federal programs coordinators and everyone in between – all working towards the same vital goal – to achieve equity and academic success for all students.
Unparalleled Opportunities Await
Benefit from 4 days of Conference sessions and keynotes
Learn about the latest changes with Title programs and how they affect your state and district
Meet and ask questions of hundreds of education leaders and experts
Engage in peer discussions and group activities with colleagues
Discover relevant educational products and services for ESEA educators
Take advantage of discounted lodging rates in downtown Atlanta
Registration & Hotel Reservations are OPEN!
Sign up today to receive the Early Bird registration discount and best hotel room selection.
Tuesday, Feb 4, 2020, 08:00 AM
Atlanta, GA, USA
49th Annual NABE Conference
49th Annual NABE Conference
Pre-Conference: February 25, 2020
Conference: February 26-28, 2020
Tropicana Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Along with internationally renowned keynote and featured speakers, there will also be special presentations from experts in the field and over 200 concurrent sessions. Participants will also be able to register online for visits to local schools that are implementing successful dual language programs. The NABE Exhibit Hall will showcase educational products and services. NABE’s Job Fair provides a forum for school districts seeking to recruit.
Students, teachers, educational leaders and advocates will be recognized for their efforts to promote the importance of languages, literacy and equity during the NABE General Sessions and NABE Awards Luncheon.
Who should attend NABE: Teachers in the field of dual language, ESL, administrators, paraprofessionals, university professors, students, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and parents
For more information, click here
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020, 08:00 AM
Las Vegas, NV, USA
TESOL International Convention 2020
The TESOL Convention offers professional development opportunities to English language educators at all levels from around the world. With 6,000 attendees and nearly 1,000 sessions, the convention has something for everyone. It’s been more than 10 years since the convention has been in Denver. Join us in Denver to see how much the city had changed and grown since we were there last, all the while maintaining it's ease of getting around and friendly, welcoming downtown.
For more information, click here.
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2020, 08:00 AM
Denver, CO, USA
Kansas MTSS and Alignment Institute
As you are aware, Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports and Alignment, as part of TASN, has been working with school districts across Kansas for well over a decade. We have never wavered from our mantra “All Means All” when it comes to equality and equity in curriculum and instruction for ALL Kansas students. While constantly analyzing data produced by schools implementing our framework and processes, we have been able to uncover the need for the development of instructional and collaborative leaders at all levels of our education system. For the past several years, we have talked to leadership experts from across the world about the idea of developing instructional leaders at the district, building and classroom levels and what that would “look like”. We have arrived at a partnership with Professor John Hattie, Dr. Peter DeWitt, Dr. Jenni Donohoo, Dr. Olivia Amador-Valerio, Tommy Thompson and others.
On September 22, 2020, Professor John Hattie and the Visible Learning team below will be in Salina, KS! Professor John Hattie will deliver TWO presentations during the morning and the Visible Learning team members will take attendees through the Visible Learning research, and assist them in learning about the five strands of Visible Learning, and identify the difference between influences that impact student learning. Examples of influences and their impact to be included: Instructional/Collaborative Leadership, Collective Teacher Efficacy, Teacher Clarity and Student Engagement.
This incredible learning opportunity is FREE to Kansas educators! The event will be held at Tony’s Pizza Event Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, KS. It will be an all-day event in the arena (no breakouts) with lunch on your own. There will be some lunch options at the event center or attendees may leave for lunch and return for the afternoon session.
Click here to register.
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2020, 08:00 AM
Salina, KS, USA
Approved Kansas Colleges and Universities Offering ESOL Endorsement Courses
Kansas is ALWAYS looking for more ESOL Endorsed teachers! If you know of anyone interested in obtaining their ESOL Endorsement, here are a list of partnering universities and colleges:
Benedictine College
Bethany College
Emporia State University*
Friends University
Newman University*
Fort Hays State University*
Ottawa University*
Kansas State University*
Pittsburg State University*
McPherson College
University of Kansas*
Mid-America Nazarene University*
Washburn University
Wichita State University
*indicates online option available
Nicole Primm, EL Program Consultant
Email: nprimm@ksde.org
Website: ksde.org
Location: 900 Southwest Jackson Street, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: (785) 296-5060
Twitter: @Kansas_ELs