Best practices for ells

1. Best practices for ells Presented by: Amber Arnold & Emma Wallerstein

2. Research Question • Question • Our Interests/Academic Background: Linguistics, Anthropology, & Education • Our Approach • Compile Previous Knowledge & Resources • Research: Second Lang Acquisition & Bilingual Ed • Interviews & Observations with ECP Staff • List Best ELL Practices & Strategies • Supplementary Notes & Materials

3. The facts • Approx. 40% of all ECP students are ELLs • Spanish accounts for 90% of the languages other than English spoken by ECP students • Two-thirds of ECP students primarily and/or exclusively speak a language other than English at home

4. SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (SLA) • The subconscious processes by which a person acquires a second language • Krashen’s SLA Theory • L2 acquisition requires natural and meaningful interaction in the target language • L2 acquisition requires comprehensible input in target language • Internal and external factors Emotions such as anxiety, self-doubt, & boredom affect process of L2 acquisition • Second language (L2) proficiency is mostly acquired under similar circumstances as with the first language (L1). • Many of the skills learned in the L1 can be transferred easily to the L2 (language transfer)

5. Bilingual education • Second language acquisition in the classroom through simultaneous L1 & L2 instruction • Models:Transitional, Dual Language Immersion, Developmental (see notes for details) • Premise: L1 literacy = L2 literacy • Goal = bilingualism & bilteracy

6. Language acculturation:bics vs. calp • Language Acculturation • Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills • Language skills needed in social situations • Usually develop within six months to two years after acculturating to host culture • Myth: A child is proficient in a language when they demonstrate good social English. • Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency • Formal academic learning – listening, speaking, writing, reading about subject area content material • Usually takes 5-7 years • If a child has no prior schooling or support in native language development, it may take 7-10 years for ELLs to catch up to their peers.

7. Bilingual education laws & Policies • Prop 227 • What proponents say: • What opponents say: • Implications: • Our Stance • Bilingualism & biliteracy has a positive influence on students’ cognitive and academic development. • Problem: “We have students trying to do all skill work in their L2, with no anchor in their L1” – Killian Betlach

8. Takeaway points • Acculturation: The beliefs and assumptions that we hold about ourselves, our abilities, and our basic qualities. • Language Acquisition: The beliefs and assumptions that our students hold about themselves, their abilities, and basic qualities ABSOLUTELY have impact on their motivation and success in school. • Key Points in Theory:

9. Best Ell practices & strategies • Strategies in Place at ECP • Sheltered classes • Leveled books • Rise Up • Heavy emphasis on teaching, practicing, and assessing vocabulary • SUTW approach

10. resources • Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House Inc, 2006. • Brooks, Robert.“The Power of Mindset: Creating a Positive School Climate”. http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/presentations/PositiveClimate.pdf