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NYS READS > English Language Learners > Reference Materials

English Language Learners

English Language Learners

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 The Academic Word List (AWL)

The Academic Word List (AWL) consists of 70 word families that are not in the most freqent 2,000 words in the English language, but which occur frequently over a wide range of academic texts.  Knowledge of these academic words can significantly boost students' comprehension of school-based reading material.  There are tools available to assist in the teaching of these words in context.
 
 

 WebEx Presentations

Data-based Instructional Decision Making for ELLs

The ELL Strand of the Center on Instruction hosted a webinar on May 19, 2009, to identify key information that should be considered when planning data-based and differentiated instruction for English Language Learners. Dr. Mabel Rivera presented updated information from the literature regarding the importance of language proficiency and formative evaluation tools during the instructional planning process.

To access the accompanying PowerPoint presentation,click here.

 

Promising Research-based Practices in Instruction and Assessment for English Language Learners

The ELL Strand of the Center on Instruction hosted a webinar on June 17, 2009, to discuss promising practices that have been identified within the current research base for working with English Language Learners in both instruction and assessment. Dr. Ani Moughamian updated information regarding research-based practices and provided some additional recommendations for an RTI framework for assessment, native language assessment, progress monitoring of ELLs, accommodations, and using multiple data sources to ensure a comprehensive language and literacy screening and assessment system for ELLs.

To access the accompanying PowerPoint presentation, click here.

 
This webinar discusses the challenges students face when they cannot understand content instruction or understand or participate in classroom instruction because they lack academic language skills.  Recommendations for addressing these challenges are provided.  To access the PowerPoint presentation, click here.
 

Enhancing Academic Literacy of ELLs in Science and Social Studies Classrooms

This webinar provides an overview of two experimental studies aimed at boosting the academic achievement of older English learners. The CREATE Project at the University of Houston examined the efficacy of incorporating instructional practices associated with improved outcomes into middle-school social studies instruction as a means of enhancing vocabulary knowledge and comprehension for English language learners.  This content is also valuable to teachers interested in improving comprehension in adolescent readers.  To access the PowerPoint presentation, click here.

 PowerPoint Presentations

Effective Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners

This presentation, by Timothy Shanahan of the University of Illinois at Chicago, highlights as the result of an extensive scientifically-based research review by both the National Literacy Panel for Language Minority Children and Youth (Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners) and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Practice Guide (Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades) the proven techniques teaching literacy to ELLs.

The Maine Department of Education website has several PowerPoint presentations covering topics such as "Lesson Planning & Differentiation: Enacting a Lesson Based on the ELP Standards," and "Academic Language and Literacy for ELLs."

The University of Oregon's Center on Teaching and Learning Reading First website houses several PowerPoint presentations pertaining to Instruction and Data Evaluation of ELLs.  Of particular note is "Vocabulary Building and Oral Language Instruction: Helping English Language Learners and Students with Language Disabilities Learn to Read and Read to Learn" developed by Lupina Vela. 

Follow-Up Materials from the CTL's 2009 “Moving Research Into Classrooms” Conference

In this section you will find a summary of each conference presentation within the English Language Instruction strand.  Also included are:

  • Presentations from all strand speakers (PowerPoint handouts)
  • A summary of key points from each presentation
  • Short audio clips of important points made by each speaker

The PowerPoint presentations, strand highlights, and presenter audio clips can be used to extend the knowledge gained from the IES Practice Guide and assist in applying the recommendations within classrooms. These materials can be used for individual learning as well as study and discussion within small group formats such as grade level teams, department level teams, and professional learning communities. In addition, the materials in this section could be used for professional development activities related to school improvement goals for an entire staff.

Adolescent Literacy Institute

The Center on Instruction hosted an Adolescent Literacy Institute October 15-17, 2008, in New Orleans to encourage deeper understanding and effective use of two adolescent literacy products. The meeting included presentations from national experts Joe Torgesen, Barbara Foorman, Greg Roberts, Colleen Reutebuch, and Jade Wexler, as well as small and large group discussion, orientation to the soon-to-be-released “Assessments to Guide Adolescent Literacy Instruction” and a training of trainers session for “Effective Instruction for Adolescent Struggling Readers” professional development.

 

Workshop on Language Development and Reading Intervention for ELLS

The Center on Instruction ELL Strand hosted a training-of-trainers workshop May 29-30, 2008 to provide current research and instructional strategies related to language development and reading interventions for ELLs with and without disabilities. The workshop centered on the use of two soon-to-be-released COI products: a training module in language development and a guidance document on teaching reading interventions to ELLs with and without disabilities. The event provided participants with content as well as activities that can be used in future professional development meetings with teachers and school administrators. 

The accompanying PowerPoint presentations are:

Effective Language and Reading Interventions for English Language Learners

Language Development for English Language Learners

 

Practical Guidelines for the Education of English Language Learners – Part I

Dr. David Francis of the ELL Strand of the Center on Instruction delivered a teleconference describing a series of guidelines for the education of English Language Learners which were released at the LEP Partnership meeting in Washington, DC, October 28-29, 2006.

 Reference Materials

La Lectura es el Primero (Reading Comes First)The Partnership for Reading is pleased to announce the Spanish translation of the popular "Put Reading First: Helping Your Child Learn to Read – A Parent Guide." This brochure provides a quick overview of the findings of the National Reading Panel for parents and gives ideas for what to expect from a school's reading program based on evidence from the research (preschool through grade 3). The brochure also suggests ways parents can reinforce reading instruction at home with everyday activities and interactions.

 

This Spanish language version of Helping Your Child Become a Reader includes information about why and how to use language skills (talking and listening, reading, and writing)to help young children grow into readers. Everyday activities you can do to encourage your child's love of reading and strengthen language skills are also provided

 

Tapestry for Teachers of English Language Learners is an extensive resource center that has been developed for teachers and administrators in grades pre K - 12 who work with English language learners.  It presents the findings of research and teaching resources that are directly applicable in the classroom. Research included is on second language acquisition and teaching strategies.

 

The National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition collects, coordinates and conveys a broad range of research and resources in support of an inclusive approach to high quality education for ELLs.  Resources include standards, assessments, content-area instruction and curriculum development.

 

The National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center (NCCIC) a service of the Child Care Bureau, is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance (TA) center that provides comprehensive child care information resources and TA services to Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Administrators and other key stakeholders.  Its website has a list of publications that highlight findings about literacy development for ELLs.

 

The Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) is an international organization that promotes evidence-based teaching, collaboration, research, leadership, and advocacy. CLD is composed of professionals who represent diverse disciplines and are committed to enhancing the education and quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities and others who experience challenges in learning.  The link leads to an article entitled, "Reading Comprehension Instruction for English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities: Validated Instructional Practices."

 

 

 Podcasts

Practical Guidelines for the Education of English Language Learners - Part II

Dr. David Francis of the ELL Strand of the Center on Instruction delivered a teleconference presentation providing an overview of the series of Practical Guidelines for the Education of English Language Learners. (NOTE: There is no video with this recording.)

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