English Language Learning
Recognizing that a number of state leaders responsible for the education of English language learners (Title III directors) were pursuing similar aims, NECC created an England Language Learning Network to explore current research and support collaboration within and among states. The Center organized and moderated a regional teleconference for four New England states that use the same ELL proficiency assessment and supports ongoing regional dialogue and collaborative problem-solving among the New England states. Where appropriate, staff from state offices of curriculum, instruction, and assessment have joined in sharing knowledge, policies, practices, and problem solving. In response to a request from directors, NECC is conduct a needs sensing to help set priorities of interest to all six states, among them the interface between Title I and Title III, conducting consolidated reviews, the pros and cons of newcomer centers, and improvement plans that directly address English learners' academic needs.
Contact
Maria-Paz Avery
Email: mavery
edc.org
Related events
National Conversations on English Learner Education
New York, NY
Hosted by the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and the USED Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with White House Initiatives on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans and for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, this meeting brings key stakeholders—educators, administrators, researchers, parents, students, advocates, and policy makers—together in a dynamic conversation on quality education for English learners in the 21st century. The day-and-half day conversations will use Kiva and Open Space processes to elicit optimal participation by all attendees. Issues will include; current areas of major concern, promising practices, and directions for reform and transformation in English Learner Education. Proceedings from the meeting will guide OELA and others in developing new policies for the education of English learners. Registration details are not yet available.
An invitation-only event.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: maveryedc.org
Webinar: Language and Reading Interventions for ELLs and ELLS with Disabilities
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
Maria-Paz Avery of the NECC facilitated a webinar by Dr. Mabel Rivera, deputy director of the Center on Instruction's ELL strand, and Christy Murray, deputy director of the Center on Instruction's Special Education Strand on a new Center on Instruction publication.
Language and Reading Interventions for ELLs and ELLs with Disabilities addresses key assessment issues such as language proficiency, measures of academic achievement, and identifying English language learners with disabilities (distinguishing between language development and learning disability issues); it also examines the role of Response to Intervention in delivering instruction to English language learners and emphasizes the importance of student development in vocabulary, particularly academic vocabulary. Dr. Rivera is a co-author of the publication, which is available online.
A question and answer session followed the presentation; participants also had time to share their own work and exchange ideas on issues concerning assessment, English language learning, and special education.
Contact: Maria-Paz Avery
Email: mpaveryedc.org
Webinar: Data-Based Instructional Decision Making for English Language Learners
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Online
Researchers Mabel Rivera and Ani Moughamian of the Center on Instruction's English Language Learners Strand discussed key considerations in using data to plan differentiated instruction for English language learners. Drawing on the most current research on the importance of language proficiency and formative evaluation tools Drs. Rivera and Moughamian explored the role of assessment in improving educational outcomes for English language learners.
Contact: Carol Keirstead
Email: ckeirsteadrmcres.com