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