ELL Director
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (2005) only 29% of English Language Learners (ELL) scored at or above the basic level in reading, compared with 75% of non-ELLs (as cited in NEA, 2008).
The National Education Association (NEA) further explains that there is no continuity in assessment or accommodation procedures when determining ELL language proficiency.
Assuming the role of "Director of ELL" for your school's district read the article English Language Learners Face Unique Challenges. Then, in an action plan that you create for your school's district (see below), you will address the challenges noted in the article relating to assessing the language domains before and during content-based instruction.
The purpose of the action plan is to assess the language proficiency of ELLs in order to build academic proficiency and content accountability. Your action plan must contain the following:
Identify and describes at least three goals addressing different content areas.
Example: ELL students will be able to solve basic multiplication and division equations that are either written in symbols or written in words.
Explain your rationale for each goal. Your rational must be supported with at least one research-based strategy.
Example: This skill will be used as a foundation for more advanced math skills with content-specific terminology.
A statement describing how each goal will be accomplished. You must include a detailed explanation of how each goal will be accomplished as well as an approximate time frame for goal completion.
Example: Teaching specific math skills and terminology- each skill will be scaffolded, beginning with math manipulatives, and building to more challenging levels as students master each skill set and necessary vocabulary.
A description of the necessary resources for achieving each goal.
Example: Math manipulatives, vocabulary words written on Velcro strips, math worksheets,
Multiplication & division bingo...
A statement regarding how each goal will be monitored (what on-going FORMATIVE evidence will be gathered to show this plan is improving language proficiency)? You must include at least three formative-based assessments that will provide evidence of improved language proficiency per goal.
Example: Through peer tutoring, teacher observation, exit tickets, homework review, and traditional worksheet assessment
A statement describing how you will you know when the student has achieved the goal? What will be your evidence?
Example: Student will complete word problems that require students to solve basic multiplication and division equations.
The "Action Plan" may be written in the format of your choosing including traditional paper, or PowerPoint, with APA standards being followed which included a title page or cover slide and concluding with references. A written paper must be three to five pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and a PowerPoint presentation must be 10-15 slides in length(not including title and reference slides).