CHICAS
Bilingual/ESL Newsletter - FEBRUARY 2016
CELEBRATE!
Bilingual Curriculum Writers
Your dedication contributes to our success.
Your attention to detail is second to none.
Your desire and willingness in seeing a project through leads us to success.
Your personal commitment to quality is obvious in everything you do.
Your ‘Whatever it takes attitude’ has made all the difference in developing a bilingual curriculum.
Our sincerest thanks for the contribution you have made to our department.
Best Practices
Building Background Knowledge - Recommend Reading
This book is about schools making a profound difference in the academic background knowledge of students by using an indirect approach as defined in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2 provides a reasonably comprehensive review of the research and theory supporting my recommendations. Six principles form the basis of those recommendations:
(1) background knowledge is stored in bimodal packets;
(2) the process of storing experiences in permanent memory can be enhanced;
(3) background knowledge is multidimensional and its value is contextual;
(4) even surface-level background knowledge is useful;
(5) background knowledge manifests itself as vocabulary knowledge; and
(6) virtual experiences can enhance background knowledge.
The Wiki link below provides a great book study summary of this book.
http://bbkfaa.wikispaces.com/2+-+Six+Principles+for+Building+an+Indirect+Approach
There is a strong connection between the ELPS and building background knowledge.
https://www.sites.google.com/a/yisd.net/elps/courses
There is a strong connection between building background knowledge and vocabulary development.
https://www.sites.google.com/a/yisd.net/elps/course-feedback
Here is a link to the SIOP and Building Background Knowledge training provided to secondary teachers in the fall.
Nuts & Bolts for Administrators
Upcoming PD for Administrators
Lost in Translation - 2/4/15 - 8:30-3:30 *Updated Date
Required PD for Administrators
Law requires that teachers, aides, and administrators be trained in order to support and meet the needs of ELLs. This document will provide the district documentation of administrator training.
Dual Language (Two-Way) Kinder Registration
Please help us in sharing the information below with your parents regarding the Dual Language (Two-Way) Kinder registration at Caldwell has begun.
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The registration process for the Dual Language (Two-Way) Program at Caldwell begins on February 12 for incoming kinder students. Registration packets will be posted on the Caldwell website.
The Two-Way Dual Language Parent Informational Meetings are scheduled for March 23rd 9:30-10:30 a.m. or March 24th 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Participation in one of the information meetings is a requirement of the registration process for new parents to the program. Strong parental support is key to student success in the program. Parents who already have other children in the program do not need to attend.
Applications for the Dual Language Program (only for KINDERGARTEN) are due to Caldwell Elementary by April 8. Students/Families will be notified of lottery results the following week. Caldwell zoned students and siblings of currently participating students are given priority in enrollment.
School/Class Tours for NEW Parents will be held on May 17, 18 and 19 @ 8:30-9:30 a.m. (repeat sessions).
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El proceso de inscripción para el Programa de Inmersión Dual en el Lenguaje (Dos Vías) en Caldwell comienza el 12 de febrero para los estudiantes de kinder entrantes. Los paquetes de inscripción se publicarán en el sitio web de Caldwell .
Las reuniones informativas para padres están programadas para el 23 de marzo 9:30-10:30 am o el 24 de marzo 6:00-7:00 pm.
La participación en una de las reuniones de información es un requisito del proceso de inscripción para los nuevos padres en el programa . Fuerte apoyo de los padres es clave para el éxito de los estudiantes en el programa. Los padres que ya tienen otros niños en el programa no tienen que asistir.
Las solicitudes para el Programa de Inmersión Dual en el Lenguaje (Dos Vías) para Kinder se deben de entregar a la oficina de Caldwell Primaria antes del 8 de abril. Los estudiantes/familias serán notificados de los resultados de la lotería para entrar al programa la semana siguiente. Se le dará prioridad a los estudiantes zonificados a Caldwell y a los hermanos(as) de los estudiantes que participan actualmente en el programa.
Las visitas a la escuela para los nuevos padres se llevará a cabo el 17, 18, y 19 de mayo a las 8:30-9:30 am (sesiones de repetición).
ESL Certification
LPAC Nuts & Bolts
Upcoming PD for LPAC Coordinators
- LPAC - MOY - 2/1/2016 - 8:00-11:00 - Assessment Decisions Training will be held on in the Board Room at Central Office.
- LPAC - MOY - 2/9/2016 - 8:30-11:30 - Assessment Decisions Training will be held on in the Board Room at Central Office.
LPAC - EOY - 4/19/2016 - 8:30-11:30 OR 5/6/2015 - 8:30-11:30
TELPAS
Important Reminders:
- ALL LEP students (even parent denials) take TELPAS
- Raters should be collaboration with other teachers or ESL teacher on the holistic rating (K-1st - listening/speaking/reading & 2nd-12th - listening/speaking).
- Writing rating collaboration is required if the TELPAS rater encounters a discrepancy between the samples.
- Decisions to exempt special education students from taking TELPAS is made in collaboration between ARD and LPAC. Both ARD and LPAC documents should include information about any exemption made. An exemption cannot be made as a holistic view, but rather each domain (listening/speaking/reading/writing) must be reviewed. Exemptions are based on the student's disability.
- Students 2nd-12th should have an opportunity to complete the online TELPAS tutorials prior to the TELPAS reading test. Link for online practice http://www.pearsononlinetesting.com/tx/TELPAS/tutorials/
- Collaboration is required to determine appropriate rating (March 23-31). THE ESL TEACHER IS A REQUIRED MEMBER OF THE COLLABORATION IN SECONDARY!
Resources:
Second Semester PD
Please help us communicate any required or recommended training for staff members on your campus. Below are upcoming PD dates to help facilitate communication.
A PD Google Calendar has also been developed to provide up to date communication of available professional development.
Administrators
Lost in Translation - 2/4/15 - 8:30-3:30 *Updated Date
Elementary ELL Point People
We will have a quarterly after school training for elementary ELL Point People that will provide them with ELPS training and resources for “just-in-time” mini trainings they will need to turn-around during a staff meeting.
We recommend that you select a teacher that is ready for leadership opportunities and able to present to the whole staff.
*If your ELL Point People are not able to attend one of these trainings, please ensure that another representative who will be able to take back the training to your campus is in attendance.
4th Quarter - 3/17/2016 - 4:00-6:00
ELPS Focus - Learning Strategies
Elementary ESL Teachers
Highly Recommended for Teachers with Newcomers. Please share information with your teachers. Sub covered!
Sub Cost Coverage Procedures and Form
Word Study for Successful ELLs (2nd-5th) - 2/8/15 - 8:30-3:30
This interactive presentation will motivate teachers and students alike to learn academic vocabulary in fun and effective ways that will make a difference in content area comprehension! Teachers will participate in learning the same techniques advocated for student learning. Objectives include teaching students how to become independent word solvers, providing instruction for specific word meanings, and helping students enjoy learning and using new words, leading them toward a deeper understanding of reading and content.
Secondary ESL Teachers Quarterly PD
Required Training. Sub cost covered by the Bilingual/ESL Dept.
3rd Quarter - 2/3/16 - 8:30-3:30
FULL DAY - ELPS Academy for Secondary (TOT)
4th Quarter - 4/13/16 - 8:30-3:30
Bilingual K-3 Quarterly PD
Please share dates with your bilingual teachers.
Sub Cost Coverage Procedures and Form
4th Quarter - Words Their Way & Independent Writing
- K-1st Grade Bilingual Teachers & IC - 3/1/2016 - Full Day - 8:30-3:30
- 2nd-3rd Grade Bilingual Teachers & IC - 3/2/2016 - Full Day - 8:30-3:30
Bilingual 4th & 5th Grade PD
Please share dates with your bilingual teachers.
Sub Cost Coverage Procedures and Form
REQUIRED
- 4th Grade Bilingual - One-Way Dual Language Implementation and Balanced Literacy Overview - 5/26/16 - 8:30-3:30
Recommended but Not Required
- Word Study for Successful ELLs - 2/8/16 - 8:30-3:30
Bilingual Instructional Coaches
SIOP - 5/12/16 - 8:30-3:30 - Cancelled -
*Since several of the coaches are already trained, it was recommended for those not trained to attend SIOP training sometime in the Spring through other offerings.
Useful Links
Bilingual/ESL Department
Judith Coffman, M.Ed
Bilingual/ESL Director
Email: jcoffman@mckinneyisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/mckinneyisd.net/bilingual-esl/
Location: One Duvall St., McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 469-302-7710
Twitter: @Judith_Coffman