SUPPORTS FOR TEACHERS OF ELLs

1. SUPPORTS FOR TEACHERS OF ELLs Chicopee Public Schools Prepared by: Parental Involvement Committee ~ August, 2013

2. This presentation provides faculty and staff with important details in regards to procedures and/or tools provided to establish communication with ELL students and enhance parental involvement in their child’s education.

3. DEMOGRAPHICS IN CHICOPEE • There are over 18 different languages that make up the diverse population in the city of Chicopee. • Presently, there are over 300 Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in Chicopee Public Schools. • The top 5 languages native to the city’s ELLs are Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Polish and Chinese • The CPS have a total of over 150 Former Limited English Proficient (FLEP) students in their first (FLEP1) or second year (FLEP2).

4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELLs) Upon enrollment, the parent/guardian fills out the Home Language Survey. If the parent indicates that the primary language spoken at home is not English, students are tested within 10 days by ELL staff. If it is determined that a student is Limited English Proficient (LEP), with the parent’s permission, he/she is placed in the appropriate class/classes that will provide the state-mandated ELL supports.

5. TRANSLATION ALERT • Parents/guardians who have indicated on the Home Language Survey that their primary language is not English, are identified in IPASS with a Translation Alert . • The indicator for Translation Alert is a purple box which can be found on the student screen beneath the student photograph. • Translated documents are to be sent home if this alert appears and translators or interpreters made available to parents. • Other school documents such as newsletters, calendars, menus, emergency cards, etc. are to be sent home with the following message in a language parents/guardians understand: “If you have difficulty understanding this document, contact the building principal at your child’s school.” The translations for this message can be found in the ELL and Translation Binders at your school.

6. ELL BINDER The ELL teacher has an ELL binder with information that will support teachers and help improve communication among faculty, students, and parents. This binder includes: General Information, Home language Surveys, Translation Alert Information, Forms, Resources such as a Description of Assessments, DOE Field Codes, Glossary of Terms, Acronymsand Laws pertaining to ELLs, ELL Department Brochures, Translated Report Card Guides, Labels, etc.

7. CHICOPEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEBSITE TRANSLATOR All pages located on the Chicopee Public Schools (CPS) website can be translated. Here are the steps to do so: • Begin with Chicopee Home Page. • Scroll down to the bottom of the left brown margin. In it, you will see the words, translate this site along with a computer icon. • Right click in the brown margin and left click on the word “translate”. • Now at the top of the home page, you will see the toolbar to translate. • In the box where you see the word English, click on the blue inverted triangle to access the drop down menu. Choose the desired language. • Click on the right arrow. You will see the homepage translated into the language you have selected. IMPORTANT : Every page on the CPS website that has a left brown margin can be translated. It is recommended that this information be communicated and demonstrated to parents with a translation alert. http://www.chicopeeps.org/

8. ASSISTANT FOR ELL and TEACHER SUPPORT Cynthia M-H Schonagel Assistant for ELL and Teacher Support, has additional resources and information to foster communication among students, teachers, and parents/guardians. Resources such as the WIDA Can Do Descriptors that outline the levels of English proficiency, Approved Bilingual Dictionaries, Translated Guides to Report Cards, RETELL information, etc. can be found @ http://www.chicopeeps.org/englishlaindex.cfm

9. CHICOPEE PUBLIC LIBRARY The Chicopee Public Library (CPL) has a wealth of resources available to English Language Learners and their parents/guardians. Visit the Chicopee Public Library website for more information. http://www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org/ • The staff at the CPL is available to attend Open House and other parent nights to promote literacy and encourage children and families to sign up for a library card. • The library also offers field trip experiences.

10. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION…

11. Questions… Q. I have a new student who doesn’t have any English at all. Where do I start? A. The ELL teacher(s) are a valuable resource and can provide the necessary information and tools to maximize instruction appropriate for the student’s level of English language proficiency.

12. Questionscontinued… Q. How can I learn more about ELL students and their background? A. Resources are available to enhance understanding of our ELL population through the Office of ELL and Teacher Support and the Chicopee Public Library.

13. CULTURAL AWARENESS Language does not exist alone. All teachers and students must learn about the diversity and backgrounds of one another. • Ask students about their native language, country, and culture • Learn about religious holidays, clothing, foods, and gestures in foreign countries • Remember that some ELLs may have suffered trauma in their native land. Some may be refugees.

14. Questionscontinued… Q. I am scheduled to meet with a parent/guardian who has been identified with a Translation Alert. What resources are available to help me? A. Prior to the meeting, inform a member of your school’s ELL support team. This support team may include administration, guidance, teachers, and para-professionals. A member of the team will provide assistance that is needed.

15. CONTACT INFORMATION Office for ELL and Teacher Support 180 Broadway Chicopee, MA 01020 (413) 594-1590