Language & Cultural Services
Summer 2017
Mid-summer Updates
In this brief bulletin, we've provided details about great learning events coming soon to help you get the new school year off to a great start.
Have an awesome summer and we'll see you soon!
Language and Cultural Services Team
LCS Summit 2017 - Event Registration
You are invited to the annual Language & Cultural Services (LCS) Summer Summit on Wednesday and Thursday, August 2-3, 2017! The LCS Summer Summit celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity that exists not only within our district, but also across the state of Oklahoma. Sessions will focus on cultural competence, language development, effectively engaging community resources, best classroom practices for English Learners, and a variety of topics that support the education and services of English Learners.
Registration for the LCS Summer Summit is FREE and open to all educational stakeholders. We welcome teachers, administrators, counselors, parent facilitators/liaisons, and other stakeholders who are interested. If you are a TPS certified employee and would like to receive professional learning credit for your attendance, please pre-register in MLP in addition to online event registration. The 2-day LCS Summit will feature a variety of sessions each day in which to participate. The LCS Summit session schedule and descriptions will be available on the Eventbrite registration page closer to the date of the summit.
Please email eldsummersummit@gmail.com with any additional event-related questions.
WIDA Screener Training
In the 2017-2018 school year, the W-APT will be replaced by the WIDA Screener Online. The WIDA Screener Online will be given to students in 1-12 grade who have not been previously identified as English Learners. This assessment helps ELD and general educators make appropriate decisions regarding ELD services; instructional modifications and testing accommodations.
Because of the changes in the assessment, all ELD teachers and any other staff who may administer the WIDA Screener Online, must attend a training and take the certification tests for the assessment. Training will be provided to all ELD teachers during the August 16-17 Teacher Institute. There will be additional training dates in August and September for sites without an ELD teacher or for ELD teachers hired after August 17.
Dual Language Training Institute
This professional learning experience will build a foundational understanding of dual language instruction, classroom environment structure, and how to leverage instructional practices to maximize language learning in both English and Spanish. Attendees should pre-register in MyLearningPlan. Stipends will be available for first and second year dual language teachers. Please contact Liliane Vannoy with related questions.
Bilingualism for All: OABE 2017 Registration Now Open
This full day of professional learning will include breakout sessions, professional networking, consult an expert, vendor resources, and more. Guero Loco, a bilingual rap performer, will be featured during the conference lunch. This learning opportunity is a great event for school leaders and teachers who work with English learners, dual language, and immersion students.
Language and Cultural Services will provide Title III funds for registration and mileage for any Tulsa Public Schools team member who would like to attend. Please submit a completed PS10 and conference registration via campus mail to Language and Cultural Services at the Enrollment Center or via email to Laura Grisso by August 15, 2017.
ELD Professional Learning Sessions for First Quarter
In preparation for the 2017-2018 school year, English Language Development teachers may preview upcoming professional learning sessions and take action as requested.
● New-to-ELD elementary and secondary teachers will participate in ELD Teacher Bootcamp during New Teacher Orientation on Monday through Wednesday, August 7-9. Stipends will be available for new-to-ELD teachers.
● New and Veteran ELD teachers must attend training August 16-17 and take certification tests for WIDA Screener Online.
● Additional first quarter ELD professional learning opportunities are listed on the attached handout.