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English Language Learners and Standards-based Education in Massachusetts . Section Introduction. This section describes aspects of education in Massachusetts related to the demands of content area frameworks and expectations for English language learners.
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English Language Learners and Standards-based Education in Massachusetts
Section Introduction • This section describes aspects of education in Massachusetts related to the demands of content area frameworks and expectations for English language learners. • This foundation is important to understanding how to best meet the content and linguistic needs of ELL students. • Information shared throughout the slides will serve as the backdrop for this session’s online activities and forum discussions. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
MA Frameworks ELL Expectations • “…all students should be held to the same high expectations outlined in the Common State Standards. This includes students who are English language learners (ELLs). • However, these students may require additional time, appropriate instructional support, and aligned assessments as they acquire both English language proficiency and content area knowledge….” (p. 83) • ELL instruction must be adjusted accordingly. • Student progress must also be closely monitored. Source: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/ela/0311.pdf Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2011). Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy. Malden, MA: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, p. 83 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Expectations Remain High for ELL Students. “ Teachers should recognize that it is possible to achieve the standards for reading and literature, writing and research, language development, and speaking and listening without manifesting native-like control of conventions and vocabulary.” • MA maintains rigorous grade-level expectations in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. • The goal is to prepare ELLs to be college and career ready. Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2011). Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy. Malden, MA: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, p. 83 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Too Much Sheltering? • Past notions of “Sheltering” may have included: • Watered down concepts • Limited amount of work • Oversimplified texts • Extended isolation from native speakers of English • Teachers need to know each student’s proficiency level to create appropriate instruction. A newcomer’s instruction and supports will look different from those of students who have started to develop a strong English base. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Maintaining Expectations with Appropriate Supports • It is expected that all teachers will help ELLs grapple with grade-level texts while directly instructing them in how English works. • Students at the early English proficiency levels are likely to need significant support (e.g., bilingual support, working at the sentence level rather than the paragraph level, etc.). • This direct attention to English development in all classrooms with ELLs can accelerate the language development process Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
SEI Instruction in Massachusetts • In this section participants will gain further understanding of the basic programming requirements for ELLs in Massachusetts. • Participants will be required to • Complete an activity about how ELLs are served in Massachusetts schools • Read a document created to give guidance to Massachusetts districts for programming needs for ELLs • Post a response to the online forum Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Two Required Components for Academic Program for ELLs Required Components for Instruction of ELLS English Language Development (ESL/ELD) Meaningful Access to Curriculum • Explicit, direct instruction to promote English language development Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) Bilingual or Dual Language Instruction* • Instruction that includes approaches, strategies and methodology that makes the content comprehensible and promotes academic English language development Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education