July 24
Session A
Audience: Elementary
Dr. Jim Ewing
Positioning MLs to be Successful in Math:
ELLs are not doing well in math. Just plugging in strategies, such as using visuals is not working--students need to VISUALIZE themselves in our math curriculum. Shifting from calling students "ELLs" to "MLLs" is a mind shift. Learn more mind shifts to POSITION MLLs to be successful.
Audience: K-12
Emily Francis
Practical SEL Initiatives for Multilingual Learners:
We need intentional and practical practices to create a safe environment for our students, particularly for MLL - An environment for students to learn, improve relationships & an environment that promotes academic achievement. During this session, you’ll receive key & effective SEL practices to meet the needs of every learner. Emily’s journey as an immigrant and her experience as an English as a second language teacher affords her a deep understanding of the challenges our students must overcome to find success.
Audience: middle - high
Laura Gardner
From Unaccompanied & Alone, to Welcomed & Supported:
We are experiencing another large wave of unaccompanied immigrant children crossing the Southern border. These youth are in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and then reunify with family members and other sponsors in our communities. How can we support these students in our schools and classrooms?
Audience: K-12
Nancy Motley
Building Linguistic Momentum with LTELS:
Long term English learners need robust opportunities to practice speaking, reading and writing, but they are often reluctant to even try. In this session we will outline small moves that help students get started. These accessible entry points to literacy tasks will increase both engagement and language acquisition for LTELs.
Audience: upper elementary - middle
Carly Spina
Supporting Language Growth for Students Identified as LTELS:
In this session, participants will reflect on factors that contribute to language acquisition and analyze current programming & practices. Participants will also affirm mindsets, learn strategies, and set goals for how to best support their multilingual learners who have been in programs for 5 years or longer.
Audience: K-12
Laurene Christensen, Kristen Burton, James Mitchell
Alternate Can Do Descriptors for MLs with Significant Cognitive Disabilities:
This session provides an overview of WIDA’s development of Alternate Can Do Descriptors for ELs with the most significant cognitive disabilities. This session will describe the process for developing the Alternate Can Do Descriptors and their derivation from alternate content standards. Examples and their application to instruction will be shared.