Article 6

Title:

Framework for English Language Proficiency Development Standards Corresponding to the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards

Link: Framework for English Language Proficiency Development Standards Correspond...: Western OneSearch

Summary:

Numerous states have started in the process of developing and further adapting English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards in order to have them align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  With this alignment in place it will not only assure that students receive the best education possible but it will also prepare students for years of education to come because ELP standards are also aligned to college and career readiness standards. 

The main objective of the English Language Proficiency Development (ELPD) Framework is to provide a basic foundation to states on how to use the expectations of the CCSS in order to successfully create and evaluate the ELP standards.   These standards not only set a performance standard amongst various subject areas but they also require a certain level of language in order to gain an strong academic foundation. As a result, the ELP standards must be explored in order to determine what supports are needed to best support ELL students with the language skills they need to reach proficiency on all levels.

Reflection:

        This report helped me to better understand the CCSS as well as the ELP standards.  It provided me with insight on not only how different aspects of the different standards align but how different premises guide the development of much of the framework.  I was also provided with valuable information on Understanding Language Task Force Model and Formative Language Assessment Records (FLARE) Model Both of these models helped to clarify my understanding of the ELP standards.

References: 
Council of Chief State School Officers, (2012). Framework for English language proficiency development standards corresponding to the common core state standards and the next generation science standards.

Article 5

Title:
Teaching English Language Learners: 43 Strategies for Successful K-8 Classrooms

Link: Teaching English Language Learners : 43 Strategies for Successful K-8 Class...: Western OneSearch

Summary:

The book, Teaching English Language Learners: 43 Strategies for Successful K-8 classrooms, discusses many strategies that teachers may apply in order to better support ELL students. The information provided in this book seems to be a great resource for classroom teachers who maybe struggling to meet the needs of English language learners. 

Each unit within this book is aligned with TESOL teacher and student standards and it also provides student performance indicators for many of the chapters. The units are designed to include a thorough overview of the objectives for that unity and what information the reader will gain after the completion of each particular unit.

Reflection:

This year is not only my first year working for a family literacy center it is also my first exposure to the concept of "home visits" In chapter 42 of Teaching English Language Learners: 43 Strategies for Successful K-8 classrooms, it discusses the theory/research underlying the home visit strategy.  I found it interesting in learning that providing home visits to children is not only beneficial in the fact that it provides extra one on one support for the child, but that it also creates opportunity for educators and families to work collaboratively as equal partners in their child's education. With this idea in mind it seems that the education is not only taken more seriously but that the families take pride in the fact that they are their child's first teacher.

References: 

Colombo, M. (2012). Teaching English language learners: 43 strategies for successful k-8 classrooms. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

Article 4

Title:
Sign Language: An Effective Strategy to Reduce the Gap between English Language Learners Native Language and English

Link: http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED507994 

Summary:

This article discusses the struggles of classroom teachers in their attempts to communicate with ELL students of various ethnicities with various cultural backgrounds.  It is stated that research has shown that ELL students that incorporate their native language in addition to English do not suffer from a delay in their English language skills as a result of this integration (Samway & McKeon, 1999).  This article suggest that sign language is an effective way to establish a connection between different languages that will benefit all students no matter what language they speak. (Nicholson, Sheryl, Graves, Emily, 2010)

Reflection: 

As I have discovered, English language learners are among the fastest growing groups of students within this country.  The article, Sign Language: An Effective Strategy to Reduce the Gap between English Language Learners Native Language and English, discusses the benefits of incorporating a student’s native language into instruction. Within my teaching I am excited to test this theory by using sign language to create a bridge between Spanish and English. I'm hoping that as a result this strategy will help to facilitate academic growth amongst my students.

References: 
Nicholson, S., & Graves, E. (2010). Sign language: An effective strategy to reduce the gap between English language learners native and English. Online Submission

Article 3

Title:

Investing in Our Next Generation: A Funder's Guide to Addressing the Educational Opportunities and Challenges Facing English Language Learners

Link: http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED537481 

Summary:

This article addresses the increasing amount of ELL students within the nation and the importance of increasing the success of these students.  More then one of ten students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade are English Language Learners and that number is continuing to grow.  It is unsettling when taken into consideration that there is an achievement gap of over 5.3 million when compared to native English speakers.  This research recognizes many of the concerns amongst ELL students and the necessity for a long-term solution to the struggles amongst these students. (Alvord, Sarah 2012)

Reflection:

        As I have referred to the Wyoming census and various public school records to gather information on the amount of hispanic students within Teton County this article brought to light that this increase in ELL students is nation wide. This research has provided me with a great foundation for many of the challenges that ELL students may face.

References:

Grantmakers for, E.(2010).Investing in our next generation: A funders guide to addressing the education opportunities and challenges facing English language learners. Online Submission

Article 2

Title:

Preparing teachers for success with English language learners:

challenges and opportunities for university tesol educators.

Link: Preparing Teachers for Success with English Language Learners: Challenges a...: Western OneSearch

Summary: 
This Article’s study explores and documents the findings of teachers regarding their thoughts and perceptions on three major areas pertaining to English language learners:

1. Teachers perceptions and attitude towards these students.

2. Teachers thoughts on effective learning strategies for ELL students

3. Strategies for teaching to these students in ways that are conducive to learning language and content. (LIZETTE, MARKHAM, FREY, 2012)

References:

Peter, L., Markham, P., & Frey, B. B. (2012). Preparing teachers for success with English language learners: Challenges and opportunities for university TESOL educators. Teacher Educator, 47(4), 302-327.

Support:

         I found this article to be very informative and contain a good amount of information that would coincide with my upcoming research problem and statement. The research within this article provided a great deal of insight on multiple issues that affect ELL students and their teachers. It not only addressed suggestions for improvement regarding instruction to ELL students but it also provided information on some training available for educators who wish to improve their ELL teaching skills. 

One of the main benefits I gained from this article is it put into perspective for me the increase in ELL students in public schools from 1979-2008, showing there was an increase from 9% to 21%.  This statistic has made me curious as to what percent of ELL students are at now for public schools within the U.S. and even more so the percent of ELL students in Jackson, Wyoming and how this number has increased over the years.  With the data of this static I feel it will support my research problem and statement in regards to addressing my concern with communication difficulties between Spanish speaking students and English speaking teachers.

Article 1

Title:
Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers in School:

Helping Hispanic Students Acquire Success in Elementary School

Link: Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers in School: Helping Hispanic Stude...: Western OneSearch

Summary:
This research provides evidence that Spanish speaking ELL students are less prosperous then native English speakers inside the classroom.  Besides cultural differences these students face language barriers among their teachers and peers, as well as the challenges of comprehending instruction delivered in a foreign language.  With research, solutions were discovered for ways to better incorporate ELL students and their families into the public school system.

(Ivey, 2011)


References:
Ivey, P. S. (2011). Overcoming language and cultural barriers in school: Helping Hispanic students acquire success in elementary school. Online Submission,

Support:
In support of my thesis which will explore the academic achievement gap between Spanish speaking students and English speaking students this article provides great insight into some of the struggles of English language learners. This Journal has provided me with some new ideas on ways I can asses my own students, their knowledge of language and their leanings.  It has also provided useful ideas on how I can better teach to ELL students and other ways I can incorporate my students families.

About Myself and My Blog

Overview
I am currently working towards earning my masters degree in elementary education through Western State Colorado University. The purpose of this blog is to assist in supporting the topic of my research through my EDU 680 coursework. By the end of the semester my aim is to have posted 6 or more blog posts and discuss at least 6 different articles that relate to my research problem statement.  At a minimum, the blog will span the months of September, October and November.

Employment
I am currently employed as an early literacy instructor for 4 and 5 year olds at Teton Literacy Center, located in Jackson Hole wyoming.   Here the philosophy is, "A family literacy approach is the most effective way of achieving our vision of a 100% literate community.  TLC offers prevention and intervention services for families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade.  Our goal is to strengthen literacy skills for the family unit through tutoring, workshops, classes and home visits."

http://www.tetonliteracy.org/

Research Topic
Although my research topic is not yet set in stone I am confident that my focus is going to be on Pre-K, Spanish speaking, English language learners.  As a Pre-K teacher out of my 30 students 27 of them are native Spanish speakers. With the dominant amount of ELL students my plan is to explore some of the challenges my students face in regards to communication barriers with myself, an native English speaker.