70 likes | 194 Vues
This seminar focuses on the necessity of challenging and supporting colleagues in their responsibilities towards English Language Learners (ELLs). Attendees will explore dual language programs and their potential to enhance educational outcomes for students. We will discuss engaging parents, educators, and administrators in the conversation about investing in long-term growth for ELLs. Additionally, participants will learn about the limitations of standardized testing and the need for bilingual educators to meet the diverse needs of our student demographics.
E N D
Advocacy ~ ESL Seminar ~
! We need to challenge and support our colleagues in their responsibilities regarding our ELLs ! ! We are obligated to examine the potential of dual language programs for our students !
! It takes persistence, diplomacy, a wealth of information, lots of alliance-building, and time ! • Step 1 is to talk to parents, colleagues, administrators, and community members about the research behind programs. • E.g. Research: 1 problem is how to access background knowledge of our students. • A dual language program can! Through teachers who speak the child's first language and know their culture.
! Emphasize the NEED (for the district) is to INVEST in the LONG-TERM growth and success of our students, rather than short-term solutions! ! School districts DO HAVE $ ! • Key is: Press the districts to make spending decisions that provide the most benefit for ALL students, including our ELLs. • e.g. is an investment in computer upgrades the most pedagogically sound way to allocate $? • OR could that $ be used to hire a few bilingual classroom aides?
! WE have to be ready to be there with the research that acknowledges the limited utility of technology vs. the importance of bilingual teachers in a classroom and a LOW teacher student ratio ! ! Districts say they do have enough staff #s. WE must insist that districts examine and plan for the changing demographics of their students!
! We've got to make sure that new programs and policies make sense for our students ! ! The emphasis on standardized tests rather than teaching means an erosions of the practices that are most effective and disappointing results will inevitably follow ! ! We've got to be vigilant about the effects that standardized tests have on our students and their education !
! We can not stand by while our children are condemned by mismatched tests ! ! We can not allow their educational opportunities to be limited by or driven by assessment that does not take their needs into Consideration ! ! Encouraging bilingualism in our country will only make our nation STRONGER !