...understanding specific English language learners' needs guided the choice of instructional strategies to support the content and language learning. It is essential to understand English language learners’ needs because ELL students face the combined challenge of learning all the academic content as other students, while also learning the language of instruction. With the rapid growth in the size of the ELL student population in the U.S., teachers who are effective recognizes ELL students unique academic needs, unique background experience, culture, language, personality, interests and attitudes toward learning for the purpose to adjust, or differentiate, their instruction to meet students’ needs. Explain how the differentiation of tasks or activities supported the English language learners' content learning and language development. Differentiating tasks or activities enables and supports ELL students in many ways. Using differentiated teaching strategies gives ELL students the leverage that is needed to be successful. In the case of the aspects of quantity and quality for example, the same reading task can be assigned to the whole class, but students do not have to do the same number of questions or exercises. The ELL students are given a choice and can choose to do one or more tasks; it is important for them to progress at their own pace and interest. Explain how the differentiation of assessments allowed the English language learners to demonstrate knowledge...
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...for ELLs According the Echevarria, Vogt, and Short (2013), the 44 states that implemented the Common Core Standards these states are working “to ensure the required standards are included and the U.S. Department of Education (USED) is requiring participating states to revise their NCLB assessments” (p.8). While this alignment of standards promotes a unity between states and helps to promote college preparedness (p.8), it fails at considering the needs of English language learners. Some states, like Illinois and Arizona have created standards that help teachers to understand ELLs and consequently develop instruction that can be differentiated for their various proficiency levels. No two ELLs enter school at the same proficiency level or with the same experiences. This diversity makes it quite challenging for teachers to accommodate every learner. Consequently, teachers can use the Arizona English learner standards to supplement the Common Core Standards in an attempt to differentiate instruction for their ELLs. The standards address all proficiency levels, including pre-emergent, emergent, basic, low intermediate, high intermediate, and proficient. Obviously, the strategies that are adequate for general education students and proficient ELLs would not suffice for those at the pre-emergent or even the low intermediate stage. Therefore, differentiation is absolutely necessary. Differentiation would vary at the different stages as well as take into consideration ELL proficiency...
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...Reading and Second Language Learners Research Report May 1999 This report prepared by Magda Costantino, Ph.D. The Evergreen Center for Education Improvement The Evergreen State College Olympia, Washington 98505 With assistance from: Joe St. Charles Susan Tepper Edlamae Baird Acknowledgment to Gary Burris and Lynne Adair For their invaluable assistance with the project This material is available in alternative format by request. Contact Bilingual Education at 360-753-2573, TDD 360-664-3631. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or marital status. Table of Contents (click on page number for access) Introduction......................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 3 Chapter One Language Acquisition and the Language Learner .......................................................... 7 Section One: How Does First Language Develop? .................................................... 7 Section Two: How Does Second Language Develop? ............................................... 9 Foundational Theories ...............................................................................................
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...ESL Program Analysis Aretha Austin Grand Canyon University EED-544 Prescriptive Reading and Assessment January17, 2011 Introduction Research in educational and literature setting points out that English language learners (ELLs) are learners who have limited proficiency in the English language. They are learners that have been identified as a subgroup of people that is growing fast. Throughout the United States, school districts educate over 10 million English language learners that not only differ in language but behaviourism and culture as well. Studies indicate that the learners speak numerous languages; Spanish is the language spoken by more than 65% of the (ELLs). As these numbers continue to increase, many school systems are encountering pressure and challenges that are forcing them to incorporate programs ad or modify lesson plans in order to educate the English language learners. Over the past two years, in the state of Alabama, more than twenty thousand English language learners K-12 grade have made significant progress in academic; with a 72% graduation rate. The Top Five Languages represented by ELs in Alabama’s K-12 Program are 18115 Spanish, 526 Korean, 456 Vietnamese, 429 Arabic, and 309 Chinese. The six K-12 schools in the Russell County School District/my local school, offers about 25 ELLs education in English as a Second Language, in addition, assistance in reading, math and writing. The county also offers after school tutoring in basic skills...
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...Review of “Research Summary and Bibliography for Structured English Immersion Programs” of the Arizona English Language Learners Task Force Stephen Krashen University of Southern California Kellie Rolstad Arizona State University Jeff MacSwan Arizona State University The “Research Summary and Bibliography for Structured English Immersion Programs” of the Arizona English Language Learners Task Force purports to present a scholarly and balanced review of current scientific knowledge regarding effective programs for English Language Learners (ELLs) in general and Structured English Immersion (SEI) in particular. However, we find that the review neglects to reference significant research bearing on the questions raised, and frequently draws inappropriate conclusions from the research presented. Perhaps most disappointing is the tendency in the review to neglect important conceptual distinctions which could have usefully guided the research summary. Below we address each area of literature review in turn, pointing out significant limitations and incorrect interpretations as they arise. 1. What is the current state of scientific research in the area of effective instruction for English Learners? The review cites references to make the point that there are relatively few high quality studies regarding program effectiveness for English Language Learners, with estimates ranging from five (Gersten & Baker, 2000) to fifty (Genesee, Lindholm-Leary, Saunders...
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...English Language Proficiency Assessment in the Nation: CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PRACTICE Edited by Jamal Abedi U N I V E R S I T Y O F C A L I F O R N I A , D AV I S • S C H O O L O F E D U C A T I O N Copyright © 2007 The Regents of the University of California The work reported herein was supported in part by the National Research and Development Centers, PR/Award Number R305A050004, as administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The findings and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the Institute of Education Sciences, or the U.S. Department of Education. T his study required the participation of all fifty states, their assessment directors, particularly those involved with the NCLB Title III assessments. Their cooperation and patience is much appreciated, and their dedication to educating young people is greatly admired. We cannot thank the states enough for their collaboration with this project. Many people generously contributed to the development of this report. We are especially indebted to the chapter authors for their invaluable contributions and for their patience throughout this process. Sue Rigney from the U.S. Department of Education contributed greatly to the quality of this work by providing excellent comments and suggestions. We are so grateful for her support, advice and contribution to this report. Kathleen Leos of the U.S...
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...This is a significant amount of kiddos learning English while trying to keep up in all of their English speaking U.S standards based classes. If one were to think of the process they went through when learning something as difficult as the English language and then think about applying those new concepts and rules right away in a classroom or workplace where those new concepts and rules are the only thing being applied they can only imagine how difficult it is for some...
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...Classroom Scenario Analysis Rachel Hammer ELL240: Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners (ACV1340A) Instructor: Jessica Vargas November 4, 2013 In today’s classrooms, throughout America, there are a number of students who speak another language other than English. In fact, a majority of our classrooms consists primarily of English language learner students. For these students, interacting and participating in daily tasks, socially and academically, can at times be challenging. This added pressure and stress can wreak havoc for ELLs and can result in feelings of not belonging or loss of identity, their culture, family, or friends. They may also feel they lack the ability to fully express themselves through their native language. As teachers we need to take extra time and effort to understand that these students originate from diverse backgrounds, and some ELL students will have the learning skills that will enable them to pick up the English language at a more rapid pace than others. The reason for this seldom coincides with the student’s intelligence or motivation levels. Instead, we need to consider all the various learning strategies that can potentially help shape ELLs in becoming more confident in learning and speaking English. Throughout this assignment, I will thoroughly identify the different strategies that are presented throughout the classroom scenario, explain whether or not they are effective, describe how instructional input and scaffolding are used...
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...been trying to agree upon for decades is “What is the best way to teach English Language Learners (ELLs)?” This is particularly true today as the numbers of students with limited English proficiency (LEP) are increasing; about 37.4 percent of the state’s public school enrollment. ELLs face a great challenge: They must learn academic curriculum and a new language simultaneously. Some argue that it is too much to expect ELLS to learn academic content and a second language, when they have not gained literacy in their first language. Others contend ELLs students fall too far behind academically in transitional bilingual programs, and they need to learn English quickly enough and fluently enough in order to participate in academic courses in mathematics, reading/language arts, social studies, and science). In the late 1990s, bilingual education came under attack for failing to do an adequate job of developing English proficiency in ELLs in an effective and timely manner. In 1998, California voters passed Proposition 227, making it so that English language learners were to be taught “overwhelmingly in English” and would spend at least one year in Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) learning both English language development (ELD) and content instruction utilizing “specially designed academic instruction in English” (SDAIE). The goal was for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students to quickly gain English proficiency through in SEI classes so they could transition into mainstream...
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...Week5-Final Paper (Classroom Scenario Analysis) To make curriculum accessible to English language learners (ELLs), teachers must be able to integrate strategies to help them develop social and academic language skills in English and provide support by using comprehensible input and scaffolding. Accommodations should be based on current theories and research in language and literacy development, and they should address the interrelationship between culture and language. For this assignment, you will read the "Classroom Scenario" from Pathways to teaching series: Practical strategies for teaching english language learners. In a five-to eight-page paper, complete the following: Part 1: Analysis Analysis the scenario by addressing the following: Identify the strategies used in the scenario to help ELLs develop social and academic language skills in English. Explain if these strategies are effective. Why or why not? Explain how instructional input and scaffolding are used to support ELLs. Discuss current theories and research in ELL development. Give specific examples of how the teacher used theory and research to support his practice. Provide specific examples to support your points. Make sure to discuss the teacher's or student's actions in the scenario, and align them to specific concepts learned during the course. Whenever appropriate, use course vocabulary to demonstrate your knowledge of how it is applied and activated in...
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...examination (or researched information) of the newly revised Arizona English Language Proficiency Standards, write a 400-word critical analysis of the ELP Standards. Explain how teachers who have ELLS in their classrooms can address these standards. Given the increase in number of ELL students in the United States, many U.S. teachers should expect to have ELLs in their classrooms. Therefore, it is essential that schools accurately identify ELLs and understand their language proficiency in English as well as their home language. Most states have a similar protocol to determine whether or not a student is proficient in English when they enter school. Under federal law, ELLs must be provided appropriate English language development support services and be assessed annually until they meet a state’s criteria for proficiency in English on specific language tests in order to no longer be considered an English language learner. Teachers must plan very carefully to ensure that all students participate in high-interest educational activities that are personally relevant. Failure to recognize and address students’ unique backgrounds could result in a large portion of the future adult population of this country who cannot participate successfully as global citizens. Academic experiences and parental perceptions impact students’ attitudes toward education. To create enthusiastic, lifelong learners, effective teachers show students that what they are learning in school will equip them with the...
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...Classroom Scenario Analysis To make curriculum accessible to English language learners (ELLs), teachers must be able to integrate strategies to help them develop social and academic language skills in English and provide support by using comprehensible input and scaffolding. Accommodations should be based on current theories and research in language and literacy development, and they should address the interrelationship between culture and language. For this assignment, you will read the "Classroom Scenario" from Pathways to teaching series: Practical strategies for teaching english language learners. In a five- to eight-page paper, complete the following: PART 1: Analysis Analyze the scenario by addressing the following: •Identify the strategies used in the scenario to help ELLs develop social and academic language skills in English. Explain if these strategies are effective. Why or why not? •Explain how instructional input and scaffolding are used to support ELLs. •Discuss current theories and research in ELL development. Give specific examples of how the teacher used theory and research to support his practice. Provide specific examples to support your points. Make sure to discuss the teacher’s or students’ actions in the scenario, and align them to specific concepts learned during the course. Whenever appropriate, use course vocabulary to demonstrate your knowledge of how it is applied and activated in the field. PART 2: Action Plan Discuss next...
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...Language Acquisition Methods Reflection and Discussion Use of the Native Language: When teachers use the native language within acquiring language skills, it is bringing the aspect of culture into perspective. I have never seen a teacher do this in their classroom before, though I have not been around many ESL or ELL teachers. From reading the article the benefits to integrating the use of native language into their learning of the English language is to provide the students with backgrounds of their figurative language sayings to develop a better understanding of their second language that they are learning. Having students bring their native language to a forefront will help bring relevancy and a better understanding of what the teacher is ultimately trying for the student to learn. This strategy is one that I probably would avoid because the lack of knowledge I have for other languages, and I think it may have a confusing effect on the student who is trying to learn the English language. Visualization: This is one strategy that in my future teachings I will definitely use with those students who are ESL or ELL’s. According to the article, “Children relate to more visual imagery in figurative language than adults because adults are much more aware of structures, functions, and casual relationships.” (Palmer, Shackelford, Miller, Leclere, 2006) Let’s say as a teacher you are trying to explain the saying its cold as ice to the student. The teacher would have the ability...
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...Qualitative Approaches to Classroom Research with English Language Learners Patricia A. Duff University of British Columbia Address: Department of Language & Literacy Education University of British Columbia 2125 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada Courier: 2034 Lower Mall Road University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Canada Qualitative Approaches to Classroom Research 2 ABSTRACT This chapter provides an overview of recent qualitative research in classrooms examining English language learners (ELLs). I first present common features of qualitative research and review debates regarding research paradigms in the social sciences and humanities. I also discuss the role of triangulation and capturing participants’ insider or emic perspectives in qualitative research and highlight various data collection methods and ways of combining macro-level and micro-level analyses, particularly in ethnographic research. Ethical issues, difficulties obtaining informed consent in classroom research, and criteria for evaluating qualitative research are then considered. Three qualitative studies that have been deemed exemplary and meritorious by scholars in English language education are then presented and some common themes in current qualitative classroom research with ELLs are identified. The chapter concludes with directions for future qualitative research. Introduction Over the past 2 decades, research in language education, as in other academic disciplines...
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...considering the numbers of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the U.S. public school, approximately 5.5 million, which represent about 11% of total number of students, and the percentage of drop outs, about 30% of ELLs, it is understandable that public opinion puts some pressure on the U.S. public school system to adopt the most efficient and adequate system for this growing minority group. The number of ELLs abandoning school has remained high for a long period of time generating serious doubts about the functionality and effectiveness of bilingual education and other programs. Two have been the main reasons attributed for this desertion from classes: the low socioeconomic level of ELLs and language differences. In this context, dual language, one modality of bilingual education, is showing to be able to make students excel in their academic performance and revert negative statistics Currently, in the United States there are two major approaches about how to teach English to those children whose primary language is different from English. The first approach is by immersing them in English only classes. This program was first implemented in California with proposition 227 in 1998 and continued to other states like Arizona and Massachusetts where bilingual education was considered ineffective. The argument is that the sooner the children are exposed or immerse into English the sooner they will grow in all academic subjects. Students with no English will be in immersion...
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