Proficiency in progress for English learners
Arizona schools will move more students out of English-learner programs once they have mastered the language, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said last week.
The number of English-language learner students moving out of the program has recently doubled across the state. Of Arizona’s 163,165 English-language learner students, 10.7 percent progressed into regular classrooms for the 2006-07 year, while the latest state Department of Education figures show 22 percent progressed in 2007-08.
“We are about to experience a skyrocketing in reclassifying our ELL students into (English) proficiency,” Horne said.
A new national study supports that view. Called “Quality Counts 2009: Portrait of a Population,” by Education Week magazine, the annual report analyzes and ranks the 50 states’ efforts in a number of areas, including a special analysis this year on the steps to address the increasing English-language learner population. Throughout the nation, English-language learner students have increased by 57 percent between 1995 and 2005 for a total of 5.1 million.
Arizona schools got high marks for rigorous standards and for holding schools accountable, including those for its English-language learners.
Read full article…
Proficiency in progress for English learners.
Court enters funding fight for English learning
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Arizona is providing enough money for programs for students who are learning the English language.
The justices say Friday that they will consider overturning lower court rulings that the state has failed to provide adequate funding for programs for students who are learning English and that the failure violates a federal law requiring equal opportunities in education.
Arizona’s state school superintendent and the leaders of the state House and Senate urged the court to hear their appeal, arguing that a 2006 law essentially eliminated long-standing funding inequities.
The state itself asked the court to stay out of the dispute, saying Arizona would be better off working to comply with the lower court judgments.
Read full article…
Court enters funding fight for English learning - washingtonpost.com.
15 Simple Ways to Increase Comprehensible Input
January 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tips for Teachers
- Read often, start with picture book
- Slow down (speak more slowly, not loudly)
- Use shorter sentences
- Demonstrate
- Post visual cues in the classroom
- Use hands-on activities
- Make frequent checks for comprehension
- Use realia, photos, or actual objects
- Display language and content objectives
- Avoid idioms and slang
- Use appropriate gestures
- Scaffold with guided questions and practice
- Cooperative learning
- Activate prior knowledge
- Remember, a smile goes a long way
Helping the Shoemaker: ESL Math Lesson Plan
January 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under ESL Resources, Featured
TESOL Lesson Plan: Standard 3: 4/5 Grade Cluster
“Helping the Shoemaker”
by Elizabeth Dowling
Proficiency level
_____ Beginning ___√__ Intermediate _____ Advanced
Grade level
Grades 4/5 Multiage ESL Math Class
Skills
Please check all that apply and mention related sub skills
__√___Listening: Following directions, listening to classmates.
__√___Speaking: Use sequential language to outline steps to solve everyday problems, and share with a partner. Discuss procedures, share findings using new content vocabulary.
__√___Reading: Read results, Information sheets (reading to learn).
__√___Writing: Organize, display, and describe information in graphs, tables, or charts. Related sub skills: Write measurement results, fill-in graph, mean median, mode, and range calculations. Write definitions.
__√___Content Vocabulary: Fill-in or paste content vocabulary words in math journals. Draw a picture cue and definition for each word.
Subject area
Mathematics; Sheltered Content English
Objectives (Attachment A)
TESOL Standard 3: English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the area of mathematics.
Virginia Grades 4/5 Mathematics Standards of Learning: Measurement 4.11/5.11; Number and Number Sense 5.1; Probability and Statistics 4.19, 4.20, 5.18, 5.19
Duration:
One 1.5 hour Math Academy Class or Two 50 Minute Classes
Materials and Technology
Whiteboard or Chalkboard for demonstration, Clip Boards, Paper, pencils, colored pencils (optional), ruler, yardsticks, measuring tape, measuring cup, graduated cylinder, scale, (any materials for measurement), graph paper for each student, and calculators. Math Journals, scissors, glue stick.
New Content Vocabulary (Attachment B)
Yardstick, ruler, measuring tape, scale, graduated cylinder, measuring cup, inch, inches, 1/2 (one half inch), horizontal, vertical, mean, median, mode, and range
Procedure
• Anticipatory Set: Read the Shoemaker and the Elves fairytale. Any version will suffice provided there are illustrations.
Introduction:
Tell the students we are pretending a new shoe store will be opening in town and the owner is a shoemaker who creates custom shoes. He only needs the measurement of a current shoe to the nearest 1/2-inch to prepare his special type of shoes.
The shoemaker has asked the class to create a chart so he can answer the following questions:
How many shoes of each size should he make?
What is the average size shoe? (So he can plan for future orders)
What is the exact middle size? (He wants to make a sample for display).
Which size is most common?
Problem Solving:
• Show the students various measurement tools. Display the tools (yardstick, ruler, measuring tape, scale, graduated cylinder, measuring cup) and label the tools with vocabulary. Ask the students which types of measurement tools will be helpful in measuring the length of student’s shoes in inches?
• Students will share ideas and answers.
• The class will decide, with the teacher’s assistance, the ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape will work.
Procedure:
• Give students clipboards with paper and pencil.
• Students use selected tools to measure the bottom of each other’s feet from heel to toe (longest point in center of shoe).
• Students discuss and decide how they will measure each other’s feet (with shoes on). Will they step on a ruler? Will they hold a ruler up to a foot?
• Instruct students to note measurements to the nearest 1/2-inch on their papers.
• Allow students to move about the room completing measurements.
• The teacher will also measure to create an accurate list.
• When students have finished ask them to return to their desks.
• The teacher notes correct measurements on the board. (Review vocabulary: inch, 1/2 inch)
• Re-measure any discrepancies- encourage discussion of differences.
Instruction I:
• Teacher distributes Frequency Charts (sample Attachment C)
• Teacher will demonstrate the creation of a frequency graph noting the measurements are on the horizontal/x axis and the frequency is shown in blocks going up the vertical/y axis. Teacher will show one or two blocks for students who need additional clarification. (Review vocabulary: vertical, horizontal)
Production:
• The students will create a frequency (tally) chart by filling in a block for each student’s shoe measurement (to the 1/2 inch).
• Students may use colored pencils.
Instruction II:
• Teacher will explain the concepts of Mean, Median, and Mode. (Distribute mean, median, and mode, range vocabulary sheet Attachment D).
Sample method of teaching Mean/Median/Mode/Range:
Mean/Average: Have students list each number. Remind them to list each measurement even if it occurs more than once. Then instruct students to divide the total inches by the amount of shoes measured. This will give the shoe storeowner the “average” size shoe.
Median: The shoe storeowner wants to display a shoe that is not too big, and not too small. List the sizes measured and find out which one is exactly in the middle. (Mark off method works best. May have to divide to “middle numbers” for true median).
Mode: Which size shoe will the storeowner need the most of? We can look at our frequency chart and determine what the mode, or most frequent size shoe will be.
Range: How many different sizes will the storeowner need overall? What is the range of the shoe sizes for our class? We will subtract the lowest size from the largest size to find the range.
Mean, Median, Mode, and Range Calculation Activity
• Teacher will demonstrate how the charts will help determine the mean, median, and mode, and range.
• Teacher will demonstrate calculator use as needed.
• Teacher will monitor student comprehension and progress.
• Students will work in pairs to determine mean, median, and mode of data collected.
• Students will write final mean, median, mode, and range findings on the chart.
Math Journal Activity
• Students will write or paste new vocabulary words into math journals. Picture clues will be drawn as well as brief definitions. (e.g. Mean=average add up all numbers and divide /).
Assessment (Attachment E)
• Teacher will monitor speaking for use of content vocabulary in conversations.
• Teacher will use completed frequency charts for student grading.
• Math Journals will be collected for review/grading on a weekly basis.
Extension or Follow up
• In pairs, students may write a letter to the “shoemaker” explaining the results.
• Students may survey favorite color choices and repeat process.
• Students may create a similar chart based upon hand measurements for new mittens repeating above steps and measuring from base of palm to tip of middle fingers.
• Change to “soup” or “hot chocolate” for liquid units of measure.
References
Pre-K-12 English language proficiency standards. (2006). Alexandria, Virginia: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Inc.
Useful links
Virginia Standards of Learning: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/home.shtml
TESOL Lesson Plan Template:
http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/trc_genform.asp?CID=1253&DID=7561
Shoemaker and the Elves Resources
http://www.shoemakerandtheelves.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/stories/colour/elvesshoemaker.shtml
City of Alexandria Adult ESL Programs - Winter 2009
January 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under ESL Classes
Information compiled by Margaret Lorber, ACPS Bilingual Parent Liaison. Questions? Call: 703-461-4084 or email: Margaret.Lorber@acps.k12.va.us
Location: Tenants and Workers United
3801 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305
Sponsor: Alex. Dept. of Human Services
703 838 0962
NO FEE – Classroom instruction
Walk-ins welcome
Saturdays 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Location: St. Rita’s Church
3815 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22305
Sponsor: Hogar Immigrant Services
703-534-9805 ex 222
FEE: $40 includes materials
Registration: Jan 13 & 15, 2009. 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Classes: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: TC Williams High School
3330 King St.
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Sponsor: ACPS Adult Ed. 703 824 6845
FEE: City residents $55, Non-residents $200,
books $30
Negative TB test within the year; photo ID; proof
of Alexandria address
Registration: Jan 12 & 13 6:30-8 PM
TC Williams Cafeteria
Classes: Jan 15 – March 26, 2009, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Ramsey Elementary School
5700 Sanger Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Sponsor: ACPS Adult Ed 703 824 6845
FEE: City residents $55, Non-residents $200,
books $30
Negative TB test within the year; photo ID; proof
of Alexandria address
Registration:Jan 12 & 13, 6:30 – 8:00 PM,
TC Williams Cafeteria, 3330 King St
Classes: Jan 14 – March 25, 2009 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Adult Learning Center
25 S. Quaker Lane, Suite 28
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Sponsor: Alexandria City Public Schools
703 461 4179
FEE: City residents $55, books extra
Negative TB test within the year; photo ID; proof
of Alexandria address
Registration: January 7, 2009, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Classes: Begin January 12, 2009
Monday – Friday, mornings
Location: Christ Church
118 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Sponsor: New Neighbors Education Ctr.
703 548 7707
FEE: $50 ESL Instruction – 9 levels
Childcare available - $10 covers 11 weeks
Registration: Jan 28 & 30, 9:30 AM - Noon
Classes: February 4 – May 9, 2009
Mon-Weds-Fri, 9:30 AM - Noon
Location: Beatley Central Library
5005 Duke Street, Conference Room
Alexandria, VA 22304
Sponsor: Alexandria Public Library
For information call Mark: 7/519-3498
NO FEE – ESL Workshop for beginners
Walk-ins welcome
Tuesdays: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
NO FEE – English Conversation
Walk-ins welcome
Wednesdays 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Location: Mark Center Club
5708 Merton Court
Alexandria, VA 22311
Sponsor: Literacy Council of No. VA.
703 237 0866
FEE: $35.00 ESL Instruction
Registration: January, 2009
Classes: To be announced
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Mark Center Club
5708 Merton Court
Alexandria, VA 22311
Sponsor: Literacy Council of No. VA.
703 237 0866
NO FEE – ENGLISH CONVERSATION
Walk-ins welcome
Classes: to be announced
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 – 6 PM
Location: GW Middle School
1005 Mt. Vernon Av – Behind school Door #4
Alexandria, VA 22301
Sponsor: Alex. Dept. of Human Services
703 838 0962
NO FEE – Citizenship and ESL Classes
Walk-ins welcome
Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Cora Kelly Recreation Center
25 W. Reed Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
Sponsor: Alex. Dept. of Human Services
703 838 0962
NO FEE – Basic ESL for beginners
Walk-ins welcome
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Adult ESL in the Shenandoah Valley
January 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under ESL Classes
Dowell J Howard Center offers adult ESL in the Shenandoah Valley.
English as a Second Language teaches English with an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills within the framework of independent living skills.
ESL Registration
Frederick County / Winchester
January 12 at 6:00 pm at Daniel Morgan Middle School
or
January 13 at 9:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church
Shenandoah County
January 12 at 6:00 pm at Triplett Tech for evening classes
or
January 13 at 9:00 am at Woodstock Presbyterian Church
for morning classes
Warren County
January 13 at 6:00 pm at Blue Ridge Technical Center
(280 Luray Avenue) for evening classes.
Gearing up for ESL classes
When Mayola Cruz came to America from Mexico three years ago, the only English she knew was what she’d learned in a few high school classes.
It wasn’t much, she said.
She’s picked up some English since living in America. This fall, however, she had a chance to improve and refine her grasp on her new language.
Cruz was one of 20 students enrolled in a new English as a Second Language course in Craig. Integrated Community, a local multicultural group, started offering the classes in September.
Eveline Bacon, Integrated Community Intercultural English as Second Language program manager, previously said she expected to see mostly women enroll in the classes.
Her prediction came true. Most of the students in the three-month semester were mothers, she said.
The classes made a difference for Cruz.
“Now, I’m more independent in this country, because I have communication with everybody,” she said. “I speak for myself.
“I don’t need interpreters.”
With its inaugural classes now over, Integrated Community is gearing up for round two.
A second semester of classes is scheduled to start Jan. 26.
Classes cost $50 and are offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced learners.
Residents can register any time during the three-month course.
Beginning classes take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the basement of the building next to St. Michael Catholic Church, 678 School St. Intermediate and advanced courses are scheduled from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the same location.
Read full article…
Craig Daily Press / Gearing up for ESL classes.
University of Wyoming: Assistant Professor (Educational Studies-Curriculum and Instruction)
From: Francisco Rios, Ph.D. (frios@uwyo.edu)
The Department of Educational Studies in the College of Education at the University of Wyoming is pleased to announce a search for a tenure-track (nine-month academic appointment) scholar-practitioner/teacher educator faculty member to begin August, 2009. All candidates who have (or will have) a completed Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education or related field are invited to apply.
Requirements and Preferred Qualifications
Earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education or related field at time of employment (required);
Three or more years teaching experience in Pre K-12 classrooms or its equivalent (required); and,
Experiences with multicultural/multilingual student populations, cross-cultural teaching experiences, and/or an ability to speak more than one language (desired).
Application/Information: Applications should include a letter of application, current curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Applicant screening will begin on February 9,
2009 for a position to start the fall semester, 2009. Send applications to:
Dr. Jeasik Cho, Search Chair
Dept. 3374 1000 E. University Ave.
Educational Studies
College of Education
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82071-3374
(307) 766-3128 jcho@uwyo.edu
CAL: Production Assistant
From: Jobs@CAL (jobs@cal.org)
Division/Program: Language Testing Division/WIDA
Staff Classification: Program Assistant I
Hours per week: Part-time employment (approximately 17 hours/week for up to 5 months with a possibility for extension)
Salary: $35,280 – $38,640 full-time annual salary ($19.38 - $21.23/hr.)
Position Available: Immediately
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
The person in this position will be a member of the production team for a major, national, graphics-heavy test of English language proficiency for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The primary responsibility will be to process graphics orders and update and maintain different tracking tools as well as to support the work of the production team as needed. In addition, this person may assist with graphics revisions and/or layout using Photoshop and InDesign as well as support project wide activities as needed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with the Associate Manager for Project Operations and the Production Team to:
Order and process graphics requests
Track the deliverables from externally contracted artists
Assist in project wide production related tasks as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelors degree preferred. Strong writing and communication skills in English. Knowledge of a second language is desirable.
Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience in production, graphic layout, or print pre-production, preferably in the field of education. Experience using Photoshop and InDesign preferred.
Skills: Must be flexible, organized, attentive to detail, work well in a team environment, and have excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to plan and negotiate multiple tasks simultaneously.
CAL offers a comfortable work environment with competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package. We are conveniently located two blocks from the Tenleytown/AU Metro Station on the Red Line.
The Center for Applied Linguistics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, handicap, or any other reason not related to employment.
In accordance with INS regulations, all successful applicants will be required to show proof of their legal right to accept employment in the United States.
IF INTERESTED, SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:
CENTER FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS
4646 40th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-1859
ATTN: Phyllis Tate, Recruitment 08-23
Or respond by e-mail to: jobs@cal.org, Attn: 08-23
Centro Cultural needs volunteer ESL tutors
Centro Cultural of Washington County is recruiting volunteer tutors for English as a second language classes for adults.
A volunteer and orientation training meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Centro Cultural, 1174 N. Adair St.
Volunteers should expect to commit to at least one session a week, helping small groups for two to four hours a week for nine weeks. Lesson plans, materials and texts are furnished, and Spanish is not required.
Classes meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays or 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. The emphasis is on teaching conversational skills.
For more information, call 503-523-8534. Online: www.centrocultural.org
Centro Cultural needs volunteer ESL tutors - Washington County - Oregonlive.com.