BEST PRACTICES

FOR ELLSPresented by:

Amber Arnold & Emma Wallerstein

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

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

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)

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

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.

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

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:

BEST ELL PRACTICES & STRATEGIES Strategies in Place at ECP

Sheltered classesLeveled booksRise UpHeavy emphasis on teaching, practicing, and

assessing vocabularySUTW approach

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