#ELLCHAT A1 Kate here from @ps. Excited to talk about educational equity. It's always a challenge worth taking on for our students. They deserve quality education and quality academic experiences. I teach #ESOL to adults.
Hello #Ellchat@MrC_A2 tuning in from @A2schools, MI. K-5 English Language Teacher at @A2_Logan. Just came from a conference at the @UMichEducation about How Teaching Can Be A Force For Justice! Disrupt the status quo! #equity
A1 Hello #Ellchat@MrC_A2 tuning in from @A2schools, MI. K-5 English Language Teacher at @A2_Logan. Just came from a conference at the @UMichEducation about How Teaching Can Be A Force For Justice! Disrupt the status quo! #equity
A1 Hello #Ellchat@MrC_A2 tuning in from @A2schools, MI. K-5 English Language Teacher at @A2_Logan. Just came from a conference at the @UMichEducation about How Teaching Can Be A Force For Justice! Disrupt the status quo! #equity
A1 We will try not to let you forget: For #ELLCHAT we use a question/answer format so anyone can join in at any time and follow the threads of conversation. Every one of your tweets should have an A number and #ELLCHAT
A1 Hello #Ellchat@MrC_A2 tuning in from @A2schools, MI. K-5 English Language Teacher at @A2_Logan. Just came from a conference at the @UMichEducation about How Teaching Can Be A Force For Justice! Disrupt the status quo! #equity
A2: It means learning that meets all students needs. It's not one shoe fits all, but individualized and specific to the needs of each student. #ellchat
A2) To me educational equity means treating each child as an individual and supporting their individual needs. Equity does not mean that all students are treated the same. #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A2 It means fairness, but in spirit, not just in words. If we grant an #ELL student access to the library, but there are no books there that are accessible or in the student's language of origin, it is not exactly fair.
A2. I think of equal opportunities & providing ELLs (regardless of ELP level) w/ the same quality education as other students. Not watering down content, but rather modifying it to meet ELLs where they are right now. #ellchat
A2 Meeting the needs of every student with the resources and time that they deserve in order to empower them to access academic content. This WILL look different for all children. Being responsive to S background/culture/identity. #ellchat
A2: Educational equity for #ELLs is about equal #access. Access to the curriculum, access to AP and honors courses, access to field trips, etc. Access, access, access! #ellchat
A2) The hope that all children get equal opportunity to learn regardless of zip code and background. That teachers look at all students as learners who have a wonderful and exciting future ahead of them. #ELLCHAT
A2 Meeting the needs of every student with the resources and time that they deserve in order to empower them to access academic content with regard to how they learn best. This WILL look different for all children. Being responsive to S background/culture/identity. #ellchat
A2 Educational equity for ELLs means that school staff work harder to do what it takes to meet each student’s needs rather than expecting student to fit school structure! #ELLCHAT
A2.) It also means equal access to events and activities that foster connection and learning— like school events and extracurricular activities. #ELLchat
A2 AND Educational equity means meeting the needs of EACH and EVERY student… not “oh sure, we provide language support for MOST of our ELLs” !!! #ELLCHAT No more “most” or “pretty good” !!
#ELLCHAT A2 Equity does not need to mean more work for educators. If students get what they need, they learn better, and, ultimately, find their sea legs in school and require less ongoing assistance, not more. Equity benefits the whole school community.
A2 I haven’t seen this version with the chain link fence yet! That adds an element of Universal Design for Learning to support access and equity for each and every student! #ELLCHAT
Q3 I can’t tell you how many schools have given me the “most” excuse: KN “Do you provide home language supports for all of the children?” School “Yes - for the ones who speak Spanish.” KN “How many languages in your program?” School “ 18 - but they are hard to find” :( #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A3 If only one-size-fits-all activities are available, #ELL students might not be able to take park effectively, or really participate fully when they do. Scaffolded and differentiated activities and projects work better to include everyone.
A3 This is where growth mindset can also come into play. Seeing Ss, especially minority Ss, as leaders, as teachers, as CAPABLE Ss in the classroom. Providing scaffolded opportunities for Ss to actively participate so as to NOT diminish their educational opportunities! #ellchat
A3: We have to make activities approachable to our ELs and their families. If we don't, we really don't offer the opportunities for them to be part of our school community #ellchat
A3 I have heard other schools say they are not allowed to provide home language supports because it’s not fair to the few students who speak rare languages #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A3 There is real value in trying to avoid blame when talking to educators. I think many people are doing the best they know how to provide equity. We need to help them improve what their best looks like, and then they can do better.
A3 This document cites all the research showing young ELLs/DLLs MUST receive support in their home lang to learn/understand. English-only is not equitable for #preK or K #ELLCHAThttps://t.co/xVYQLM7JiU
A3) I agree that we shouldn't blame teachers because this is a legal issue. It is up to school districts to provide PD to staff members on educational equity. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A3 There is real value in trying to avoid blame when talking to educators. I think many people are doing the best they know how to provide equity. We need to help them improve what their best looks like, and then they can do better.
A3.) When there is no equity ELLs are powerless in a powerful, unfamiliar system. Access is key. We have to ask- are our schools accessible? Is the content accessible? #ELLchat
#ELLCHAT A3 I think sometimes we do harm when none is intended, like when we remove students from the classroom to take #ESOL or when we treat L2 acquisition as remediation.
A3 For young children, just getting started w/ language and school, equity means focusing on helping them learn content and trusting English will come later. Hard case to make! #ELLCHAT
A3) I️ believe it’s more than language support. We need to be inclusive about letting ELs know about sports teams, clubs, debate teams and other extracurricular activities. ELs also want to be part of a group and be in the same groups their peers are participating in. #ELLCHAT
A3 I think how we cluster our ELLs together when there is diverse schooling experiences (SIFE, no prior schooling) We have make their ed equitable and differentiated. #ELLCHAT
A3 Because, w/ young children, the importance of connecting new concepts w/ prior knowledge in L1 helps. Focus on English that prevents comprehension hurts. #ELLCHAT
Hmm, this seems to be the exact opposite of what I am trying to convey. Other terms I know are asset based approach, can do mindset? Positioning Ss as leaders, believing in their capabilities, supporting their strengths. We might be thinking of different things here! #ellchat
#ELLCHAT A3 There can also be real value in involving Native Speakers with #ESOL program events and activities. In such situations, the #ELLs can do the including and be the leaders.
A3 This is a challenge for schools, right? Good to cluster students in same language, yet this isolates them from some experiences other students are having #ELLCHAT
A3 I think how we cluster our ELLs together when there is diverse schooling experiences (SIFE, no prior schooling) We have make their ed equitable and differentiated. #ELLCHAT
Hmm, this seems to be the exact opposite of what I am trying to convey. Other terms I know are asset based approach, can do mindset? Positioning Ss as leaders, believing in their capabilities, supporting their strengths. We might be thinking of different things here! #ellchat
A3 When DLLs start preK, they have little body of existing knowledge. Their brains depend on connection of old to new to build learning. No home language = weak connections -> spotty foundations later in school = achievement gap #ELLCHAT (thank goodness for 280 characters!)
I think the word growth is triggering some connotations that I am not meaning to invoke. I’ve defined how I understand the term, I think asset based approach might be more acceptable since growth seems to be a trigger word? #ellchat
I like strengths-based approach! #socialworkerhere :) And some #growthmindset approach is appropriate but it MUST be done in conjunction with appropriate funding & programming for ELs and efforts to fix the system #ellchat
I think the word growth is triggering some connotations that I am not meaning to invoke. I’ve defined how I understand the term, I think asset based approach might be more acceptable since growth seems to be a trigger word? #ellchat
A4 I saw many states add Universal Design for Learning into their regulations so I wrote a book about it w/ @pambrillante to support proactive, equitable approach. #ELLCHAThttps://t.co/HqXSujwADZ
#ELLCHAT A4 We are lucky that at the community college level we have the time and resources to provide some of the things our Ss need, and the opportunity to apply for funding to do more. @PSCCESOL is all about using grant funding to empower our #ELLs and improve our program. @ps
How about scaffolds in reading benchmark assessments? Do u provide scaffolds for these in your district? Or benchmark ELLs differently than native English speakers? This is a nagging question for me! #ELLchat
A4 Our ESL Department supports us in sharing scaffolds and accommodations for EL Ss to our building staff. We are given a space to advocate for and model the strategies we use to ensure equitable teaching practices for EL Ss. #ellchat@SIOPModel
A4 our friend @DStaehrFenner started another hashtag called #Advocacy4Els - a good place to share advocacy ideas ongoing. But we don’t want you to leave #ELLCHAT :)
A4) I serve on numerous teams and in leadership positions for the sole purpose of being an advocate, but I am not sure of how efficient one person is in numerous positions..... #ellchat
How about scaffolds in reading benchmark assessments? Do u provide scaffolds for these in your district? Or benchmark ELLs differently than native English speakers? This is a nagging question for me! #ELLchat
A4) Work with content teachers to support them with ways to instruct & assess language learners at grade level. Provide practical techniques like effective questioning strategies (#QSSSA) so ELs can participate effectively. #ellchat
I have the same nagging question but also ask everyone I know how we can best support ELs during the comprehension question and answer portion of these benchmark assessments! #ellchat
How about scaffolds in reading benchmark assessments? Do u provide scaffolds for these in your district? Or benchmark ELLs differently than native English speakers? This is a nagging question for me! #ELLchat
A4. District ELL modifications and accommodations forms completed by ELL teachers based on student ELP level to give classroom teachers in Sept #ellchat
A4) Aside from Newcomers, I️ advocate 4 ELs 2 B exposed 2 the same scope & sequence of their age aproperate peers. They may learn fewer words & may go at a slower pace, but ELs deserve to be exposed to the same rigor, themes & literature. Not easy, but worth it . #ELLCHAT
A4) When I was teaching in a K-6 school, I would join committees to write new reading, math, science, social studies curriculum. I thought it was impt to represent needs of ELLs. #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A4 Perhaps our biggest advocacy project so far is hiring #ELLs to serve as student success mentors and student ambassadors to the community, both in their L1 and in general. Visibility and competence are a potent combination.
A4. Organize EL parents! Or partner with an org on the outside who can! Get EL parents to testify at school board meetings. #communityorganizing#socialwork#ellchat
A4 Every state is supposed to have an early childhood advisory council in their Dept of Ed. - good place to advocate for needs of young ELLs/DLLs #ELLCHAT
Agreed! ELL scholars are working tremendously hard as they learn language AND content. BUT they must be given the opportunity. Yes, we can learn both simultaneously. #ELLchat#WeLeadEd
#ELLCHAT A5 As a community college, we have a lot of flexibility to improve our policies for #ELLs and all students. One thing we just started is hiring a Global and Diversity Learning faculty fellow to lead a globalization of the curriculum. Our Ss's experience is in asset there
#ELLCHAT A5 As a community college, we have a lot of flexibility to improve our policies for #ELLs and all students. One thing we just started is hiring a Global and Diversity Learning faculty fellow to lead a globalization of the curriculum. Our Ss's experience is in asset there
During our read aloud 2night, my 5 year old: There’s Spanish and English this is bilingual! ❤️Thanks @NEISD Daul Lan program for this word! #ellchat#kinder#larkspurelem
A4 It’s not equitable to simply hire bilingual staff. You have to TRAIN them on how and when to use which language so the supports are equitable! #ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A5 It's all in the early stages, but we are seeing many places that have gone far with globalizing their curriculum, like Howard CC in Maryland and several others. We are learning from our colleagues.
A5. I think policy should actually start with pre-service teachers in teacher ed programs in NJ. Some type of ESL training or core classes should be required for those learning to educate in all 50 states. #ellchat
A5) look at state mandated goals. We must hold ELs and ESL teachers to the same standards and teach with passion, purpose, and fidelity. When you look at my classroom, do you see people in power and future leaders, lawyers, and doctors? If not, leave the room. #ELLCHAT
A4. Besides families, also good to involve immigrant community leaders. ELL staff can partner with whoever oversees family & community engagement in their district. @FCEnetwork@NAFSCE#ellchat
#ELLCHAT A5 I completely agree. But I think we must also be careful to provide teachers planning time and support to create and implement all the things our learners need. We do not want burnout. We want thriving, experienced teachers who love to teach our #ELLs.
A5) our district has partnered with @hgse for RIDES (Reimagining Integration Diverse and Equitable Schools) training #ELLchat ➡️ https://t.co/gF31gaIXsW
A6 I was on board of NJTESOL/NJBE as was @judiehaynes Our members achieve a lot by being the collective voice for ELLs at all ages #ELLCHAT Do you belong to your state organizations?
A6. I think @SIOPModel/Sheltered Instruction training for teachers has been extremely valuable and helps provide strategies for teachers to give equal education and content to ELLs #ellchat
A6 I was on board of NJTESOL/NJBE as was @judiehaynes Our members achieve a lot by being the collective voice for ELLs at all ages #ELLCHAT Do you belong to your state organizations?
A6 Did you share your posters yet, Lauren? You are my advocacy hero! Here’s one link to Bilingualism is a Gift resources in several languages. https://t.co/LsNWnv4rYd#ELLCHAT
#ELLCHAT A5 I hear you. I'm concerned, though, that if we need to be saints to teach in a program, we might not live up to it, burn out or blame ourselves. Better to support the very frail human people who are doing their best for their Ss. Which it looks like you do in spades!
