#ELLCHAT Archive | Participate

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:00 PM EDT

Good evening, #ELLCHAT Our topic tonight is about getting Paras and teachers off to a good start with ELLs ! @judiehaynes is off tonight :(

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:01 PM EDT

Q1) Please share your name, where you’re from and what you teach. (please say A1 to answer this question) #ELLCHAT

amavila21 Apr 11 @ 9:02 PM EDT

I am a first year teacher in the Bay Area. I teach at a school with an extremely high percentage of EL students. #ellchat

shellyberning1 Apr 11 @ 9:03 PM EDT

A1 Shelly Berning, Northwest Iowa, K-4 ELL #ellchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:03 PM EDT

A1: My name is Steffany, I am from Reading, PA and I teach ESL K-5 #ellchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:04 PM EDT

A1 Hi! Lauren from MA, ESL teacher in preschool and K. #ELLchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:04 PM EDT

A1 I’m Karen Nemeth-author/consultant/advocate for #earlyed for DLLs/ELLs and cohost of #ELLCHAT with @judiehaynes who is taking tonight off

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:05 PM EDT

Q2 -What roles do bilingual or monolingual paraprofessionals play in your schools for supporting ELLs? #ELLCHAT

amavila21 Apr 11 @ 9:06 PM EDT

A1: My name is Andrea, I am from the Bay Area and I teach 5th grade. #ellchat

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:06 PM EDT

A1: Good evening #ellchat. I'm Melissa. I teach middle school in MD.

kungfukitty75 Apr 11 @ 9:06 PM EDT

A1: #ellchat https://t.co/cFK4MxGwP2

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:07 PM EDT

A2: My department has three paraprofessionals (one is bi-lingual). They support ESOL and content instruction #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:08 PM EDT

Q2 We’ve been hearing so much about districts using paraprofessionals in various ways to support ELLs - but how? #ELLCHAT

SANDYBOYD77 Apr 11 @ 9:09 PM EDT

I'm Sandy Boyd and I am a Student Teacher with the University of Arkansas. Currently interning in an ESOL level 1 and 2 classroom. #ELLCHAT

amavila21 Apr 11 @ 9:09 PM EDT

My school has a dedicated 50 minutes to ELD everday. I have a para that comes in and assists me and my students during that time. #ellchat

MrsYanong Apr 11 @ 9:09 PM EDT

A1- Michele Yanong, bilingual/ell education specialist, illinois, @Paridad_US and @IL_Resource_Ctr #ellchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:10 PM EDT

A2: I have 25 ESL st. at my building. No paraprofessionals to support ELLs. :( #ellchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:11 PM EDT

A2: No paraprofessionals for ESL st. UNLESS they are also identified as Learning Support, Autistic Support, etc. #ellchat

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:12 PM EDT

A1 Central Jersey supervisor of ESL/WL who has been in ESL boot camp the last 2 yrs thanks to amazing staff. Still teach 2 classes #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:12 PM EDT

A2 Good point, Steff - in some programs, paras are hired for special ed but ignore that child is bilingual #ELLCHAT https://t.co/XjdrhBl2t7

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:11 PM EDT

A2: No paraprofessionals for ESL st. UNLESS they are also identified as Learning Support, Autistic Support, etc. #ellchat

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:13 PM EDT

A2: At my school, the paraprofessionals pull small groups within the classroom #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:14 PM EDT

A1 hi I'm Rachel and I'm a 3-5 grade ELL pull out teacher in Tennessee! #ellchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:14 PM EDT

A2 Paras/IAs mainly support children with IEPs. #ELLchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:14 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM Yes, then it's up to ALL tchrs working w/ the child to communicate & collaborate about academics, expectations, etc #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:15 PM EDT

A2 we have three Spanish translators and a Karen translator for parent communication mostly #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:15 PM EDT

Q3- What kinds of information/support are provided as orientation to paras/teachers before they start their jobs? #ELLCHAT

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:15 PM EDT

A2 including ELs with IEPs #ELLchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:16 PM EDT

A2: including ELs with IEPs. As needed. #ELLchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:16 PM EDT

A2 Good point - when paras are hired as translators/interpreters - do they get training on confidentiality? #ELLCHAT https://t.co/oWe36rvJ7X

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:15 PM EDT

A2 we have three Spanish translators and a Karen translator for parent communication mostly #ellchat

shellyberning1 Apr 11 @ 9:17 PM EDT

@Steff_Snell I am currently seeing 46 ELs, SLA level 1-6, no para's I feel your pain #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:17 PM EDT

A3 we do training for our paras on parent interactions, and our ESL tchcrs are all certified and we give support to tchrs as needed #ellchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:17 PM EDT

A3: At preschool level, all staff training multiple times per year #ELLchat

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:17 PM EDT

A3- My school has one general meeting for any kind of para about district policies. Training only if assigned teacher works w/them #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:18 PM EDT

A3 but some of you mentioned you do work w/ Paras - who trained them to work with YOU? #ELLCHAT

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:18 PM EDT

A3: In my opinion, there is not enough targeted training before being hired. Paras end up being trained on the job #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:19 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM ours do, but it can be tricky with the circumstances they're given! Translating in the hallway isn't confidential #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:19 PM EDT

A3 a key concern teachers tell me is they wish Paras would walk in knowing what to do - but no one preps #ELLCHAT https://t.co/rUZusc58Wm

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:17 PM EDT

A3- My school has one general meeting for any kind of para about district policies. Training only if assigned teacher works w/them #ELLCHAT

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:19 PM EDT

A3: WIDA E-ELD Framework, socio-cultural context, SLA, strategies, importance of home language #ELLchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:19 PM EDT

A3: One ESL tchr in my district just got a para for support. No training was provided. #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:20 PM EDT

A3 - don’t you wonder how much help that can be? #ELLCHAT https://t.co/zzl5JlsgUY

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:19 PM EDT

A3: One ESL tchr in my district just got a para for support. No training was provided. #ellchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:20 PM EDT

A3: Ah, you said *before* starting the job...#ELLchat

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:20 PM EDT

A3: Area ed agency does offer training for paras and interpreters on occasion. #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:20 PM EDT

@shellyberning1 Unfortunately these situations seem to be becoming more common! #ellchat

shellyberning1 Apr 11 @ 9:20 PM EDT

A3) no EL para's in my district, training comes from our local Iowa Area Education Agency (AEA) for EL staff #ellchat

shellyberning1 Apr 11 @ 9:21 PM EDT

@Steff_Snell defiantly! And we do our best for our students! #ellchat

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:21 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM Unlike certified staff, paras are paid hourly rate. So we must pay them to come in if we want to offer training. #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:23 PM EDT

A3 Do you know in many states there are more full time special ed aides than there are special ed students?? #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:23 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM Absolutely! Fine line though...to ask & ask for help...FINALLY get it! Do you push your luck and ask for training? #ellchat

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:23 PM EDT

A3 our paras are only for sped but most speak another language, it’s helpful. Does anyone have ELL paras? how do you arrange it #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:23 PM EDT

A3 Jessica Burchett and I have been doing conference workshops on this topic - we’ve heard some creative approaches #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:24 PM EDT

A3 ELL paras are much more common in PreK, where they have to hire assistants anyway. #ELLCHAT we can learn https://t.co/5OsGNSg9dt

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:23 PM EDT

A3 our paras are only for sped but most speak another language, it’s helpful. Does anyone have ELL paras? how do you arrange it #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:24 PM EDT

@GJuradoMoran we have 4 ELL parade but there are 240 ELs at my school. We need them for parent communication. #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:25 PM EDT

@GJuradoMoran paras, not parade ;) #ellchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:25 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM I did not realize that! Do you think as ESL populations continue to grow, we may see more use of ESL paras? #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:26 PM EDT

A3 Here is a model for preparing #earlyed bilingual paras: https://t.co/9rY4gSQ8TC #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:28 PM EDT

DO think you’ll see more bilingual paras: pressure to match student langs -> cheaper than bilingual tchrs #ELLCHAT https://t.co/eKBnQqOYTV

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:25 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM I did not realize that! Do you think as ESL populations continue to grow, we may see more use of ESL paras? #ellchat

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:28 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM that looks awesome! I'm going to send that to our ELL coordinator- I know our paras would love better training! #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:28 PM EDT

Q4 How are teachers oriented to prepare them for language diversity in your schools? #ELLCHAT (maybe we can match w/ paras?)

MrsYanong Apr 11 @ 9:29 PM EDT

A3- longevity of position is key factor- worked side by side to support ELs w amazing TA for 9 yrs = shared brain and Ss benefited! #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:31 PM EDT

#ELLCHAT - good point! - but then, somebody should take responsibility for preparing both sides! https://t.co/TUaJAZ3K9Y

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:30 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM unfortunately easier to hire a para than a full time certified sped teacher

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:31 PM EDT

A4 I go to new staff orientation and present on our students' backgrounds and basic ELL strategies for about one hour #ELLCHAT

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:31 PM EDT

I agree. Lower costs for paras & lower qualification requirements make them easier to hire. #ELLCHAT https://t.co/uTilHsSMK3

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:30 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM unfortunately easier to hire a para than a full time certified sped teacher

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:32 PM EDT

@MrsYanong A3 That’s tricky, though because paras w/ lot of experience may be resistant to training #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:33 PM EDT

Q4 Does any school have specifics about working w/ ELLs built into staff handbook? #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:33 PM EDT

Q4 And - to what extent are gen ed tchrs included in ESL training, ESL tchrs/paras in general curriculum training?? #ELLCHAT

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:34 PM EDT

A4: Our training is done through teacher leaders in district who work as mentors for new teachers. PD time w/whole staff is rare! #ELLCHAT

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:35 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM A4 yeah, we do, but almost 50% of our school is non English language background, so all teachers need to know #ellchat

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:35 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM New requirements in Iowa mean any teacher working with ELLs will be trained in new ELP standards in near future #ELLCHAT

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:36 PM EDT

A4: ESL and general ed are still seen as separate spheres (even as we are encouraged to co-teach and collaborate) #ellchat

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:36 PM EDT

A4: There is no info in our handbk, nor are tchrs trained in ESL. New tchrs have a course or two in college. #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:36 PM EDT

Jessica Burchett and I also hear many tchrs have paras who work one-on-one, do individual lessons, have no training NOR tchr guide! #ELLCHAT

thecozyLC Apr 11 @ 9:36 PM EDT

A4 last year we did a staff meeting on how to work with newcomers for the whole staff #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:37 PM EDT

A4: Our training is done by teacher led PD --if ESL tchrs volunteer to plan and carry out sessions. #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:39 PM EDT

A4 Report from @MigrationPolicy describes realities of immigrants working in #earlyed - many have advanced degree from home #ELLCHAT

shellyberning1 Apr 11 @ 9:39 PM EDT

@HSeslteacher @KarenNemethEdM my understanding, this is a requirement for start of the year in-services 2016/2017 in Iowa #ellchat

MrsYanong Apr 11 @ 9:39 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM agree... Perhaps openness to learn is trait we are seeking when hiring? #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:39 PM EDT

A4 Sorry - here is link https://t.co/4sC1PJ6Var for @MigrationPolicy report - GREAT conversation starter #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:40 PM EDT

A4 Do any of your schools even have a “language vision statement” or brief policy statement to set the stage for new staff? #ELLCHAT

TheESOLNinja Apr 11 @ 9:40 PM EDT

I have to duck out a bit early. Thanks for a great #ellchat

LaurenEHarrison Apr 11 @ 9:42 PM EDT

@TheESOLNinja #ellchat Me, too! Goodnight!

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:42 PM EDT

A4: Recently read an Ed. Leadership article about how good tchrs aren't enough to support ELLs. Need PD on lang uses, scaffolding #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:43 PM EDT

Brock, M., & Carter, E.2015 Effects of a professional development package to prepare special ed paras Journal of Special Ed. 49(1) #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:43 PM EDT

A4: Would also be ideal to have the opportunity to observe quality instruction, practice, and reflect. #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:43 PM EDT

Did I write that article? LOL I wrote one like that focusing on earlyed #ELLCHAT https://t.co/SWrxfx2g6f

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:42 PM EDT

A4: Recently read an Ed. Leadership article about how good tchrs aren't enough to support ELLs. Need PD on lang uses, scaffolding #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:44 PM EDT

A4 Yes - even if they used prerecorded video examples for orientation! #ELLCHAT https://t.co/U9WMnqbLDw

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:43 PM EDT

A4: Would also be ideal to have the opportunity to observe quality instruction, practice, and reflect. #ellchat

TwitLiveEvents Apr 11 @ 9:45 PM EDT

April 11, 2016 at 10:00PM Twitter Chat - #ellchat #TwitterChat Visit https://t.co/52cTeoQ3Zw for more events.

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:46 PM EDT

A5 Do you know of a resource or example we could share and copy to provide better orientation for tchrs & paras working w/ ELLs? #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:46 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM Haha! It's called, The Teachers Our ELLs Need by Patricia Gandara and Lucrecia Santibanez. #ellchat https://t.co/rA6JOfPkGW

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:47 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM Our district Lau Plan serves that purpose. Available on website, but need to do more to get it out there. #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:49 PM EDT

A5 @Steff_Snell Here’s my article for Ed Leadership https://t.co/47ds1WZunm #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:49 PM EDT

A5: I like the info on @ColorinColorado https://t.co/sOtpmqQULw #ellchat Good place to start for some tips!

HSeslteacher Apr 11 @ 9:49 PM EDT

A5: I think programs vary so much from district to district that it makes it hard. Some guidelines from state, but that's it #ELLCHAT

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:51 PM EDT

A5 I put some info in this book: Basics of Supporting DLLs from @NAEYC https://t.co/KV1ZeKjcfX #ELLCHAT

Steff_Snell Apr 11 @ 9:52 PM EDT

Heading out #ellchat Thanks for the helpful information and resources!

MrsYanong Apr 11 @ 9:53 PM EDT

A5- this is a friendly intro article- Helping ELLs Excel:Ten (Usually Wrong) Ideas about ELLs #ellchat https://t.co/AvhAbADXNG

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:54 PM EDT

Next week’s topic for #ELLCHAT is about how to stop the ‘summer slide’. Do you think this is a good time to discuss this to get ready?

GJuradoMoran Apr 11 @ 9:56 PM EDT

@KarenNemethEdM @Steff_Snell this was a great article and a great issue! Wish it was mandatory reading #ellchat

KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Apr 11 @ 9:59 PM EDT

We post our #ELLCHAT topics months in advance on Facebook here: https://t.co/4dqdHPnwmj Feel free to send suggestions/feedback!