Language & Cultural Services
LCS Bulletin - November 14, 2016
3 Ways ELD Teachers can Improve Literacy for English Learners
An administrator recently asked me about how to maximize the effectiveness of ESL teaching (also called English language development, or ELD) because he is committed to advancing English learners’ language proficiency and literacy. Before I get to what I recommended, let me set the context.
First, ESL/ELD teaching is an important part of an English learner’s instructional day. Research indicates that students benefit from having dedicated time every day that gives English learners the opportunity to use language in authentic ways and that focuses on learning how English works. So, if that dedicated time is important for English learners to gain language proficiency, what should happen when they are in their ESL/ELD group?
The content and focus of ESL/ELD varies tremendously across the U.S. Some teachers pull together their own materials and develop a curriculum for their students, usually based on state ESL/ELD standards (e.g., California and Texas) or national standards such as WIDA, TESOL, or ELPA2 standards. Others use a commercial curriculum designed for ESL/ELD teaching, typically designed to meet standards. Some teachers use the time to assist English learners in completing assignments or preparing for an upcoming test. Other teachers do a combination of drawing on a curriculum for instruction but also use the time to “tutor” students when they have an assignment due or a test.
WIDA Wants to Hear from You
WIDA is collecting information regarding the way educators use scaffolding for language learners. The survey is designed to inform the creation of a resource that will support educators.
The term "scaffolding" is used to describe the ways that educators provide support for students' developing language as they learn academic content. This intentional support is gradually removed as students move to greater independence.
We hope to gather your feedback and thoughts to help tailor our development to the needs of educators. This survey should only take a few minutes. We sincerely appreciate your time to help create an effective resource.
Update: Logging onto Ellevation
OABE November Newsletter
90 Tech Resources for English Learners
by Tara Arntsen
Check out resources for listening, speaking, literacy, and more to support your English Learners.
Team Member Spotlight
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
What motivates you to work hard?
I love solving problems and working toward a goal. Whether it’s planting a new garden or helping students acquire new information, I enjoy rolling my sleeves up and diving in. For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than experiencing and witnessing growth.
What makes you laugh the most?
My husband… he’s a funny guy.
Let's Stay Connected
Find us on Facebook at TPS Language & Cultural Services or @tpsmultilingual and on Twitter at TPSLanguage&Cultural or @TPSMultilingual. We want to connect with you!
Missed a Department Meeting?
Elementary ELD Department Meetings
Language & Cultural Services Events
Week of November 14, 2016
November 15, 3:45pm - ESL Certification Study Group (Elementary)
November 15, 4:45pm - ESL Certification Study Group (Secondary)
November 16, 4:00pm - Spanish for Educators (Edivate)
November 17, 3:30pm - SIOP Seminar: Anchor charts, visuals, and realia
November 17, 4:30pm - SIOP Seminar: Anchor charts, visuals, and realia (Repeat)
November 17, 5:30pm - SIOP Seminar: Anchor charts, visuals, and realia (Repeat)
Week of November 21, 2016
Happy Thanksgiving!
All events are listed in MyLearningPlan unless otherwise noted. Please pre-register and verify session location in MLP.
Check out the Language & Cultural Services events calendar for future events.