HMHEducation.com

STEEL™: Strategic Teaching Essentials for English Learners Seminar, Grades K-8

This two-day seminar prepares teachers to meet the needs of ELLs. The seminar focuses on the research-based integration of language, literacy, and content instruction as proven most effective for ELLs. It offers an easy-to-implement instructional approach that incorporates best practices for ELLs. During the optional third day, teachers will participate in classroom demonstration lesson sessions to see the newly learned strategies in action, with an opportunity to reflect and refine their understanding of the seminar content. Strategies learned can support implementation of On Our Way to English® and other ELL instructional resources.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn the characteristics and differing needs of English language learners
• Explore assessments of language, literacy, and content knowledge in all language domains
• Discover methods to address language, literacy, and content objectives when planning
• Learn how to appropriately differentiate instruction incorporating newly learned strategies for ELLs
• Explore strategies to foster use of academic language and vocabulary
• Discover the importance of using students' primary language(s) and culture(s) as an asset

Two Days - Additional coaching day also available
College Credit Available

RISE: Responsive Instruction for Success in English Course, Grades K-5

This multimedia, half-year course is designed for literacy educators who work with English language learners (ELLs) in grades K-5. Participants examine current research for language acquisition and literacy development. Best practices for scaffolded ELL instruction are modeled and practiced to help teachers support language and literacy development through content area instruction. Each seminar is followed by in-classroom demonstration lessons so teachers get to see new strategies in action with students, and receive the support and coaching needed for successful classroom application.

Core Units:

• Teacher as Decision Maker
• Assessment of Oral Academic Language Use
• Oral and Written Shared Experiences
• Assessment of Reading and Writing
• Small-Group Strategic Instruction with Leveled Text
• Assessment for Learning and Teaching

Expansion Units:

• Coaching English Language Learners in Small Groups
• Using Data to Improve Student Performance

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn research in second language learning and literacy development
• Discover use of assessments to plan standards-based instruction for ELLs
• Explore methods to implement best instructional practices for ELLs
• Learn how to utilize thematic teaching approaches for language development
• Discover strategies that support the academic learning needs of ELLs

College Credit Available

Leadership for Literacy for English Language Learners Seminar, Grades PK-12

Leadership for Literacy for English Language Learners Seminar gives administrators the unique opportunity to expand their own knowledge of English language acquisition and research-based best practices in ELL instruction. The strategies address language, literacy, and content development critical to the success of ELLs. During this two-day seminar, administrators will also explore research-based leadership practices to facilitate the change process and create an action plan to support the professional growth of staff working with ELLs.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn instructional best practices essential for literacy and academic success of ELLs
• Discover methods to evaluate current academic and literacy instruction for ELLs
• Explore how to plan for improvements in identified areas of need through professional development
• Learn research-based models for instructional leadership and management of instructional change initiatives
• Learn leadership skills necessary for sustained growth and success

Two Days

Math is its Own Language: Strategies for English Language Learners Workshop, Grades K-5

This interactive, hands-on workshop details the challenges ELL students face in the math classroom. Teachers will learn the cultural misconceptions faced by ELLs and how they affect learning in the classroom setting. The importance of intentionally making content comprehensible while developing academic language skills for students acquiring English as a second language will be explored. Additionally, teachers will learn instructional strategies for engaging ELL students, modifying existing lessons, and designing lessons that meet the needs of the ELL student.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Recognize how cultural differences may affect the classroom setting
• Learn how to incorporate students' native language, English, and academic language in mathematics
• Examine effective instructional strategies for teaching ELL students
• Discover how to enhance math lessons to boost the achievement of ELL students

One Day
College Credit Pending

Best Practices for English Language Learners Instruction: Phonological Awareness and Phonics, K-5

Children must be able to hear and recognize sounds before they are able to pronounce them. This workshop examines research-based best practices for phonological awareness and phonics focusing on developmentally appropriate sequences for ELLs. Topics include explicit phonics instruction, teaching sounds and symbols, and word study. Teachers will learn the critical importance of providing opportunities for students to hear, say, sing, chant, rhyme, repeat, and practice as they learn the sounds and symbols of English. Participants will have opportunities to apply new learning to ensure successful transfer of knowledge into the ELL classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn key research in the area of phonemic awareness, phonics and word study for ELLs
• Explore how to merge explicit skill instruction with authentic contexts
• Learn the importance of linking ELL phonics instruction to students' prior language development

One Day
College Credit Pending

Best Practices for ELL Instruction: Strategic Reading, K-5

Strategic reading is vital for ELLs because they tend to spend more time on decoding than on comprehending the text's message. ELLs can become strategic readers when they are provided with opportunities to build upon their individual strengths and apply strategies the teacher has modeled. This interactive workshop examines research on best practices for strategic reading. Teachers will learn and practice teaching strategic reading strategies that will enhance ELLs reading understanding and comprehension. The gradual release of responsibility model will be used to further develop ELLs reading skills. Teachers will leave the workshop with strategies they can apply immediately in the classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn essential research on strategic reading strategies to support ELLs
• Explore methods to teach reading strategically with explicit instruction
• Discover various techniques to support ELLs in reading independence
• Learn ways to assess ELLs strategic reading strategies and use the results to inform instruction

One Day
College Credit Pending

Best Practices for ELL Instruction: Writing, K-5

Good writing instruction for ELLs mirrors good instruction for all learners. However, knowledge of the specific needs of ELLs leads to emphasis and modification of techniques that most benefit these students. This workshop will explore research-based writing strategies that will strengthen ELLs understanding of the writing process and how this process can expand to every area of the curriculum. Participants will explore the use of graphic organizers and other tools as a way to stimulate vocabulary and concepts before writing. Teachers will practice writing techniques essential for creating successful ELL writers and discover how writing can be an effective bridge to reading.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Acquire skills to help ELLs develop into effective writers
• Understand ways to enhance ELLs practice of the writing process
• Explore research-based writing strategies that will aid in the success of ELLs
• Learn how to use student's writing to inform instruction

One Day
College Credit Pending

Best Practices for ELL Instruction: Vocabulary, K-5

This workshop gives teachers an opportunity to expand their knowledge of vocabulary instruction for ELLs. Teachers will learn and apply Robert Marzano's Six Step Vocabulary Process to ensure that students have the vocabulary they need to understand the content they will encounter. The strategies will address language, literacy and other areas of the curriculum that will improve student learning. Additionally, exploration of research-based methods will allow participants to better understand vocabulary needs of second language learners. Teachers leave the workshop with many strategies for helping ELLs learn vocabulary.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn instructional best practices for vocabulary essential for ELLs
• Discover methods for ELL vocabulary instruction
• Explore strategies for improvement of oral vocabulary
• Discover how to implement Marzano's Six Steps to Effective Vocabulary Instruction

One Day
College Credit Pending

Best Practices for ELL Instruction: Developing Academic Language, K-5

Not only do ELLs need to learn subject-area content, they also need to learn academic English; the words needed to read, write, and engage in classroom discussions. This workshop prepares teachers to meet the academic language needs of ELLs. Research-based strategies will be used to show ways to develop language by organizing instruction around themes and attending to both content objectives and language objectives. Additionally, participants will learn how to differentiate instruction for ELLs at different stages of English proficiency.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the two types of language proficiency
• Explore strategies to foster use of academic language
• Discover research-based techniques for developing academic language
• Understand proficiency levels and how to use the information to develop appropriate academic language instruction

One Day
College Credit Pending

English Language Learner Strategies for Teaching in the Content Areas, K-5

Now teachers in every subject area can engage English language learners by using classroom-proven strategies. Teachers will discover how they can modify content area instruction to involve second language learners while still engaging the whole class. Participants will learn and practice strategies that strengthen English language learners' capacity to learn content vocabulary, activate their background knowledge, and engage them in multiple opportunities that encourage interaction. Teachers will explore how to informally monitor students' learning using assessments that are appropriate for their stages of English language acquisition. Teachers leave the workshop with strategies for helping second language learners build an understanding of content area material, while developing English language fluency.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the needs of secondary English language learners
• Use proven strategies for addressing language and literacy skills
• Learn discussion strategies that build oral academic language
• Use differentiated instruction and flexible grouping to enhance content area learning
• Apply best practices for English language learners in lesson design

One Day
College Credit Pending

Strategies for Second Language Learners Workshop, Grades K-6

During this one-day training, teachers will explore the features of Journeys that support language acquisition. Through hands-on, interactive activities, teachers will learn effective strategies to support second language learners from lesson preparation, building background, implementing strategies that encourage interaction and offer opportunities for practice and application, to reviewing and assessing students.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the major factors influencing language acquisition
• Identify and plan for students needing extra support
• Recognize and be able to use the instructional strategies included in Journeys to support second language learners

One Day
Participants must have the Journeys program.
College Credit Pending

Supporting Upper Grade English Language Learners Workshop, Grades 6-12

During this one-day training, teachers will explore the features of Holt McDougal Elements of Literature that support language acquisition. Through hands-on, interactive activities, teachers will learn effective strategies to support second language learners from lesson preparation, building background, implementing strategies that encourage interaction and offer opportunities for practice and application, to reviewing and assessing students.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the major factors influencing language acquisition
• Identify and plan for students needing extra support
• Recognize and be able to use the instructional strategies included in Holt McDougal Elements of Literature to support second language learners

One Day
Participants must have the Holt McDougal Elements of Literature program.
College Credit Pending

Saxon Math Strategies for English Language Learners Workshop, Grades K-6

How can English Language Learners be supported while developing their math skills? This hands-on workshop details the challenges ELL students face when learning math and provides a wealth of specific strategies teachers can use to help them succeed. Teachers focus on ways to develop students' proficiency in English, while also developing their mathematical understanding.

In addition, teachers learn how to modify existing Saxon Math lessons to support students with varying degrees of English language proficiency. This new, research-based professional development workshop will enhance K-6 teachers' mathematics content knowledge, skills, and instructional strategies, while supporting Saxon Math.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand how to incorporate students' native language, English, and academic language in math instruction
• Examine instructional strategies for engaging ELL students
• Explore hands-on activities to help students visualize concepts
• Discover how to enhance Saxon Math lessons to boost the achievement of ELL students

One Day
Participants must have Saxon Math.
College Credit Pending

ACCESS Workshop, Grades 5-12

Teaching English language learners language and content simultaneously-while scaffolding instruction to meet their diverse needs-requires unique support. Meet students' needs with targeted professional development that is aligned with the ACCESS Newcomers kit and ACCESS content area materials for English, American History, World History, Science, and Math.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Deliver step-by-step instruction to make academic content accessible for English language learners
• Differentiate instruction based on students' level of English language proficiency
• Apply best practices for English language learners in lesson design
• Consider cultural considerations affecting English language learners

One Day
Participants must have ACCESS Kits.
College Credit Available

English Language Learners: Assessment for Learning and Teaching, K-5

Assessment is the heart of an educational program because sound instruction rests on knowledge. The English Language Learners: Assessment for Learning and Teaching Workshop prepares teachers to use the Rigby ELL Assessment Kit to quickly and accurately assess English learners in all four domains of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. During this hands-on workshop teachers learn how to use each component of the kit to accurately administer the benchmark and formative assessments. Teachers practice using the assessments and interpreting the data in order to support second language learners and give them the scaffolded instruction needed to access the academic content of the curriculum.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Use proven strategies for assessing language and literacy skills
• Assess the use of oral academic language
• Assess reading and writing skills to inform instruction
• Use assessment to plan for small- group instruction
• Use data to improve student performance

One Day
Participants must have the Rigby ELL Assessment Kit.
College Credit Pending